Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, state Sen. Amanda Cappelletti, and state Rep. Mary Jo Daley visited Maple Acres Farm in Plymouth Meeting last week, according to a staff report from The Ambler Gazette.

The aim was to highlight the partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Pennsylvania Farmers Union, and Pennsylvania farmers to keep local produce safe for consumers.

“Fresh produce is an important part of a healthy diet,” said Redding. “But without farmers taking care on the farm to implement science-based controls to ensure the safety of produce, consumers are at risk for contracting foodborne illness.”

As part of the partnership, local farmers are volunteering for on-farm readiness reviews conducted by the Bureau of Food Safety.

This way, “Pennsylvania’s farmers are doing their part, taking proactive initiative, to ensure the health and safety of their product for Pennsylvanians,” said Redding.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture also coordinates with the Pennsylvania Farmers Union to help educate farmers on what their responsibilities and requirements are based on the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule and works with operators to help them improve the safety of produce for consumers.

Read more about the visit in The Ambler Gazette.