Post by Tricia on Apr 12, 2008 6:00:40 GMT -5
the following is an e-mail I received of particular note to ANYONE raising poultry in Maryland for sale (or thinking about it). PLEASE get in touch with David Smith and participate in this.
For Maryland Producers:
You may have seen a post a couple of months ago indicating that the State was considering development of a program that would have producers attend a two day training program for certification to process and sell poultry off farm within the State. Also, the program would involve a “facility” inspection program.
I must admit that I was quite skeptical at first. The point of contact at MDA is a person whom I have never met, but with whom I have had several very pleasant professional conversations over the years. When I called about a month ago to inquire about the program, I was again experienced a very professional and pleasant discussion. During the discussion, it was pointed out that the CA and WA program documents were in hand and would be used as reference. I allowed that NY has such a program as well. It should be noted that early in the conversation I indicated I was perhaps the largest small farm producer in the State and that I am the President of APPPA (I explained the organization). I further offered that I was quite encouraged by the concept and that it was even being considered at all, noting that we have seen too many situations across the country where people like us have been shut down. In any event, the State official asked me to review the documentation in hand. I offered our facility as a place to conduct training as well. Some skepticism was expressed that the MDH people did not know poultry inspection standards and I offered to work with the USDA regional office (the Director has been to my farm several times on routine visits) to see about getting one of their people to assist in the initial instruction.
Bottom line is that movement is underway to develop a program for MD and we producers have an opportunity to have a say.
I would appreciate the word being passed to those you know in MD who do not receive this list serve to make themselves known to me for compilation of a list of producers – you who receive are also asked to contact me. Also, I think it would be in our collective interests to meet to discuss strategy – after I have had an opportunity to review the documents MDA has finally provided me today.
Finally, if any of you know of other “State” programs, please advise so I may attempt to obtain copies of their program regulations.
David R. Smith
President, APPPA
Springfield Farm
Sparks, MD
www.SpringfieldFarm.org
You have a potential say in this program, make sure you speak up and join David in this.
Thank you.
For Maryland Producers:
You may have seen a post a couple of months ago indicating that the State was considering development of a program that would have producers attend a two day training program for certification to process and sell poultry off farm within the State. Also, the program would involve a “facility” inspection program.
I must admit that I was quite skeptical at first. The point of contact at MDA is a person whom I have never met, but with whom I have had several very pleasant professional conversations over the years. When I called about a month ago to inquire about the program, I was again experienced a very professional and pleasant discussion. During the discussion, it was pointed out that the CA and WA program documents were in hand and would be used as reference. I allowed that NY has such a program as well. It should be noted that early in the conversation I indicated I was perhaps the largest small farm producer in the State and that I am the President of APPPA (I explained the organization). I further offered that I was quite encouraged by the concept and that it was even being considered at all, noting that we have seen too many situations across the country where people like us have been shut down. In any event, the State official asked me to review the documentation in hand. I offered our facility as a place to conduct training as well. Some skepticism was expressed that the MDH people did not know poultry inspection standards and I offered to work with the USDA regional office (the Director has been to my farm several times on routine visits) to see about getting one of their people to assist in the initial instruction.
Bottom line is that movement is underway to develop a program for MD and we producers have an opportunity to have a say.
I would appreciate the word being passed to those you know in MD who do not receive this list serve to make themselves known to me for compilation of a list of producers – you who receive are also asked to contact me. Also, I think it would be in our collective interests to meet to discuss strategy – after I have had an opportunity to review the documents MDA has finally provided me today.
Finally, if any of you know of other “State” programs, please advise so I may attempt to obtain copies of their program regulations.
David R. Smith
President, APPPA
Springfield Farm
Sparks, MD
www.SpringfieldFarm.org
You have a potential say in this program, make sure you speak up and join David in this.
Thank you.