Update on the LGMA

Well, I have done more research this week on the leafy greens marketing agreement being worked on through the USDA.  It isn't very good news!  As it stands right now, there is no legislative venue to persue...it is an agreement with the USDA.  I guess this means that even if we as growers do not agree with the agreement, we will be obliged to follow it???  It will regulate us right out of our wholesale accounts--retail accounts will be fine--for now!  I did speak to a "legal mind" who is in the know when it comes to legislature and agriculture.  They tell me that it is more than likely that once the next major ecoli outbreak is traced back to a grower (large or small) the USDA will put this agreement in front of our legislature and tell them how well it is works.  The legislature will then bury the agreement in one of their 1000+ page bills and without most of us knowing it will become law!  It is my hope that there will be enough growers and growers associations on the lookout for this so we can sway the outcome.  I will let you know more as I know more!