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Canadian Horticultural Council develop strategy for on-farm food safety TORONTO -- A committee committee of the Canadian Horticultural Council met in Toronto this weekend to develop implementation plans for a national on-farm food safety framework for fruits and vegetables produced in Canada. With grower representation representation from across Canada, along with CHC staff and chaired by Dr. Douglas Powell of the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph, the committee agreed to develop and implement a national on- farm food safety strategy that establishes a credible, transparent transparent and cost effective framework that meets the needs and adaptation capacity of Canada's horticulture sector. sector. "Canadian farmers have a history of producing safe, high-quality produce," said Dr. Powell, also director of the Food Safety Network at the University of Guelph. "But new knowledge, outbreaks outbreaks of foodbome illness and consumer concerns mean that Canadian farmers -- the first step in the farm-to-fork food supply chain - must do what they can to minimize the risk of foodbome illness. This committee will provide the tools to help farmers meet national and international expectations. Input from farmers is key." Canadian producers of fruits and vegetables take the issue of food safety seriously and the Canadian Horticultural Council took a major step in 1999 when it developed a generic set of guidelines outlining good production production and agricultural practices practices to minimize risk. Many CHC members are implementing implementing these practices on their farms. "The committee will analyze the experiences of those who have already implemented the program to identify gaps and make sure it is as user-friendly as possible. A set of record keeping forms will also be part of the program", program", stated CHC President, Ken Forth. In its inaugural meeting, the committee agreed that the CHC guidelines are a framework framework that could be further developed on a commodity- by-commodity basis by provincial or regional producer producer groups in order to build upon a national approach to food safety while maintaining the options of provincial or regional delivery. The committee committee will review an updated version of the guidelines in the next month, and, following following input from member organizations, organizations, will be encouraging provincial and commodity- specific groups across Canada to implement on-farm food safety standards based on the CHC guidelines. The committee was formed at the CHC annual general meeting held in Kelowna, BC in March and Orono Weekly Times, Wednesday. May 8, 2002 - 7" charged with establishing a cost effective implementation and delivery mechanism for the national program. The direction set by the CHC is proactive and is consistent with Agriculture and Agri- Food Canada's Agricultural Policy Framework. Corrections Right picture, wrong names The two Orono Beavers pictured with the Inukshuk last week were Billy Qualtrough and Korey Matchett; not Spencer Elliott and Justin Butler as indicated. Ten years younger The caption which accompanies accompanies Inez Boughen's photo last week incorrectly stated that she was celebrating her 80th birthday when in fact she only just turned 70. Sorry Inez. Know somebody who should be featured in our sports section? Call The Orono Weekly Times 905-983-5301 Jj* Port Hope Area Initiative Let's Discuss Long-Term Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management PROJECT INFORMATION EXCHANGE Open: Thursdays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fridays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturdays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. WE NEED YOUR INPUT Drop in and see Sandy Holmes, pick up some information, ask questions, give us your comments, and find out what's new. 110 Walton Street, Port Hope, Ontario. 905-885-0291 toll free 1-866-255-2755 fax 905-885-0273 Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Office ■ ■ Natural Resources ■ ■ Canada Ressources naturelles Canada «A-- AECL EACL ' Atonw Erwir E/w»e»u*v* M « Cwwci Lr-**3 ouCarJtielmwe Canada This spring we're planting our one millionth tree, And in the next three years we're planting at least 1,000,000 more across Southern Ontario, This reforestation project is just one of our many environmental initiatives. The trees we're planting will help make our air cleaner while providing new homes and habitats to species native to the area.