"You here in Ohio can get involved in shaping the standards, ensuring local differences are allowed for, setting the funding rates, and really writing the rules of the road," he said.

The Columbus hearing was the third in a series of hearings organized by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service to consider the NLGMA proposal, which would establish a voluntary marketing agreement for leafy greens. The fourth hearing is being held today in Denver.

Ray Gilmer, United's vice president of communications, also testified at the hearing about the potential value of the NLGMA in restoring consumer confidence in fresh produce.

"Even today, there is a story in the Washington Post citing a report from the Center for Science in the Public Interest about the so-called 10 riskiest foods, including leafy greens" said Gilmer. "The science of their report is highly questionable and misleading, but news outlets like the Washington Post and CNN still run stories about it, which leaves consumers with a distorted viewpoint."

Also participating in the hearing were representatives of Western Growers Association. The NLGMA proponent group includes Georgia Fresh Vegetable Association, Georgia Farm Bureau, Produce Marketing Association, Western Growers Association, Texas Vegetable Association, Arizona Farm Bureau, Leafy Greens Council, California Farm Bureau, California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement, Grower-Shipper Association of Central California and United Fresh Produce Association.

United encourages members to participate in the remaining NLGMA hearings slated for Yuma, Ariz.; Syracuse, N.Y. and Charlotte, N.C. For more information, log on to www.nlgma.org or contact Gilmer or United Senior Vice President of Public Policy Robert Guenther at 202-303-3400.