As part of our Maryland Crossroads Tour, CCAN is presenting Climate Hero awards to local leaders who have made a difference in the climate movements in their communities and across the state. 
Last Thursday when accepting his Climate Hero award, Mike Tabor, local sustainable farmer and environmental activist, raised the issue of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Mr. Tabor shared how FSMA will radically change our food system and limit our food choices if it is funded.

Here are nine big problems with the rules set forth by FSMA, according to the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.

1. They’re too expensive. The rules could cost farmers over half of their profits and will keep beginners from starting to farm.
2. They treat farmers unfairly. FDA is claiming broad authority to revoke small farmers’ protections without any proof of a public health threat.
3. They will reduce access to fresh, healthy food. Local food distributors like food hubs could close, and new food businesses will not launch.
4. They make it harder for farms to diversify. Grain, dairy, and livestock farmers could be denied access to emerging local food markets.
5. They will over-regulate local food. The rules could consider farmers markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs “manufacturing facilities” subject to additional regulation.
6. They treat pickles like a dangerous substance. The rules fail to protect a host of low-risk processing activities done by smaller farms and processors.
7. They make it nearly impossible to use natural fertilizers like manure and compost. Farmers will be pushed to use chemicals instead of natural fertilizers.
8. They require excessive water testing on farms. Farmers using water from streams and lakes will be required to pay for weekly water tests regardless of risk or cost.
9. They could harm wildlife and degrade our soil and water. The rules could force farmers to halt safe practices that protect our natural resources and wildlife.

If that doesn’t sound like something you want to affect your food, take action now! There is an urgent time constraint as the comment period to the FDA ends this Friday, Nov 15. So, we urge you to do the following ASAP:

• Visit the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition’s website to learn more about the bill and send in your comments as per their instructions, BEFORE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15. 
  
• Contact Senators Mikulski and Cardin to voice your objections to the implementation of the legislation.
• Forward this to your friends and colleagues and urge them to comment as well.

We can also take steps to make sure Marylanders have access to safe, labeled food with the Genetically Modified Organism labeling bill in the state General Assembly. For more information about GMOs, check out http://justlabelit.org/.

• Ask your three State Delegates and State Senator if they’re interested in supporting GMO labeling legislation.
• Contact Mike at esiegel2@igc.org if you are interested in attending organizing and planning meetings and he’ll be sure to send you information.