A proponent group of produce associations representing the leafy greens industry across the U.S. sent a letter to USDA on Monday (June 8) requesting the creation of a national marketing agreement for leafy greens (NLGMA). A NLGMA would implement best practices and a corresponding verification program that could reduce the potential for microbial contamination in these crops.

The proponent group, comprised of the Georgia Fresh Vegetable Association, Georgia Farm Bureau, Texas Vegetable Association, Arizona Farm Bureau, Leafy Greens Council, California Farm Bureau, California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement, Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, Produce Marketing Association, Western Growers and United Fresh, has consulted with stakeholders across the country about developing a draft leafy greens marketing agreement.

The goals of the NLGMA are to improve consumer confidence in leafy greens; enhance the quality of fresh leafy green vegetable products through the application of good agricultural practices; implement a uniform, auditable, science-based food quality enhancement program; provide for USDA validation and verification of program compliance and foster greater collaboration with local, state and federal regulators.

The USDA will review the request, publish a Notice of Hearing in the Federal Register announcing the request, solicit input from stakeholders and schedule public hearing dates.

A draft agreement is ready for comment and review from all stakeholders at www.nlgma.org. This web site will provide additional information to all interested parties including the proponent letter to the USDA. For more information, contact Robert Guenther at 202-303-3409 or rguenther@unitedfresh.org.