Modifications to the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act, or FSMA, has a firm, positive intention--to reduce foodborne illness. Hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized each year due to food contamination, and up to 3,000 food-related fatalities occur annually in the United States. Rather than waiting for contamination and illness to occur, food agencies are wanting to prevent these illnesses before they start.

FSMA is designed to do just that. The new guidelines are requiring increased fees to farmers, including small farmers, and this is causing some serious debate. Small, local, and organic farms are being run out of business at an alarming rate due to these irrational, sometimes hidden, fees. This is reducing consumers’ availability to nutritious, local food and making way for Big Agriculture to take over the food supply.

Step Up and Make a Change

Fortunately, consumers and farmers alike have a voice in the new FSMA guidelines. We can urge FDA--through our singular, yet collective voice--to change the proposed rules. Signing your name to this worthwhile petition can mean the difference between having sustainable, family-owned farms to not having them at all. Regardless of how extreme this may sound, many local farmers in your area are possibly already feeling the urge to shut down their businesses. You can help support your favorite family farm by stepping up and getting involved, all without leaving the comfort of your own home!

Again, please sign this petition to let your voice heard. Signatures are being accepted until December 12th, 2014, and comments are being accepted until December 15th, 2014. If you are concerned about government’s invasion into every aspect of our food rights, or simply concerned over the availability of healthy options, participate now.

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM