from the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development |
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JAFSCD is the world’s only community-supported journal. JAFSCD content is open access (free) thanks to the generous support of our shareholders: the JAFSCD Shareholder Consortium, Library Shareholders, a growing number of Individual Shareholders, and our six JAFSCD Partners: |
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JAFSCD peer-reviewed article by Zeynal Topalcengiz (U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, and Muş Alparslan U), Sujata Sirsat (U of Houston), Jennifer Acuff, and Kristen Gibson (both at U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture)
In an era where local food systems are booming, a comprehensive review examines current knowledge, guidelines, and challenges in food safety at farmers markets, drawing from peer-reviewed literature and published recommendations. The study offers critical insights into ensuring food safety at farmers markets, highlighting both challenges and innovative solutions for small-scale producers and food entrepreneurs.
In this new JAFSCD article, Farmers market food safety: A comprehensive review of training needs in the U.S., authors Zeynal Topalcengiz, Sujata Sirsat, Jennifer Acuff, and Kristen Gibson discuss the complexities of food safety in farmers markets, noting that small-scale and hobbyist food producers may not be fully aware of the foodborne illness risks associated with selling raw agricultural commodities and value-added products. The authors indicate that multiple barriers exist in implementing food safety standards. These challenges can be addressed through the collaborative efforts of local regulatory authorities, market managers, vendors, and consumers. Corresponding author Kristen Gibson can be contacted at keg005@uark.edu.
KEY FINDINGS Major food safety challenges include: -
Consistent lack of adequate hand washing practices
- Insufficient refrigeration of potentially hazardous foods
- Absence of temperature monitoring
- Limited knowledge and resource constraints among small-scale producers
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICY, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH
Preventive measures should focus on four key areas: facilities and supplies; regulatory measures; education and training; and development of Good Farmers Market Practices (GFMPs). Innovative educational approaches could be particularly effective in eliciting behavior change and could include interactive, multimedia learning tools, engaging educational games and modules, and open-access online food safety content. Regulatory improvements could include establishing nationally accepted preventive food safety measures for direct-to-consumer venues, and updating cottage food laws with a tiered approach that considers vendor experience, training received, and the business’s scale or total revenue.
SHARE ON YOUR SOCIALS
New research underscores the critical importance of balancing fresh, locally sourced agricultural commodities and value-added products with rigorous food safety standards. How can farmers markets improve vendors' food safety? #farmersmarkets #foodsafety #training #litreview Read the @JAFSCD article for free: https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2024.141.005
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Photo above: Example of a typical farmers market venue in the United States. This file is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International (CC-BY-SA-4.0). |
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Please join the USDA National Agricultural Library for Community Land Trusts 101: A Beginners Guide to discuss how community land trusts (CLTs) provide opportunities for lasting home ownership and land access.
The event will feature these speakers: - Francine Miller, senior staff attorney at the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems at Vermont Law and Graduate School,
- Kristin King-Reis, an attorney specializing in CLTs
- Matthew Wyman, leader of the Community Land Trust Institute for the Florida Housing Coalition
- Heather Benham, associate with Burlington Associates in Community Development
The speakers will provide resources and insight for community members and legal and information professionals, with time for questions and discussion at the end of the session. Register for the free webinar here.
Background: CLTs are nonprofit organizations governed by a board of community representatives (typically including those participating in the CLT) that provide lasting home ownership and land access opportunities. CLTs develop urban and rural agriculture projects, affordable rental and cooperative housing, community commercial spaces, and conserve land and green spaces. |
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POSITION OPENINGS FROM JAFSCD SHAREHOLDERS |
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The Food Connection at the University of Kentucky (TFC) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct applied research on value chain coordination (VCC) in local and regional food systems. This is a unique and high-impact postdoctoral researcher position, created in partnership with TFC, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Local and Regional Foods Division (LRFD), and the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development (JAFSCD). The postdoctoral researcher will lead a novel multi-institution research initiative that results in scholarly publications, stakeholder-facing technical assistance resources, and policy recommendations at local, regional, and national scales.
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CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS OR TO APPLY |
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The successful candidate will develop and lead externally funded research and extension programs that support and strengthen the viability of the New Jersey agricultural sector and individual farms. Through active engagement with the agricultural community, the Specialist will identify existing and emerging opportunities and needs, conduct applied research to assess what technical assistance and policies would help farmers take advantage of these opportunities, and provide educational outreach in the agricultural community across different scales of operation, commodities, and production systems.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS OR TO APPLY |
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| The Department of Agricultural Economics, Rural Sociology, and Education (AESE) Extension Program Specialist |
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The Department of Agricultural Economics, Rural Sociology, and Education (AESE) at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking candidates for an Extension Program Specialist who will conduct Extension programs, develop enterprise budgets, and create and update publications for the Penn State “Ag Alternative” series. The role includes supporting research projects and offering expert advice on risk management. The candidate will effectively build solid connections with stakeholders and their organizations. This position requires a master’s degree plus three years of relevant experience or equivalent work experience.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS OR TO APPLY |
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If you are affiliated with a college or university and want to support JAFSCD, now is the time of year when libraries order new journal subscriptions. |
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