
Rethinking Regulatory Changes
Introduction As the Fresh Produce Industry continues to evolve, our shared mission is to protect public health and ensure our food system remains resilient. Recent regulatory changes, such as FSMA-204 and new traceability mandates, aim to reduce risks and enhance transparency. However, these measures come with a high cost, disproportionately impacting small farms integral to the regional food supply chain. The critical question remains: At what cost are we advancing food safety? Without compelling data to demonstrate the effectiveness of these regulations for small operations (or frankly, even the larger ones), we risk eroding the foundation of our food system, regional diversity, resilience, and equitable access. This is a call to action to align our goals, refine our strategies, and create solutions that strengthen food

