The project will document the group's work as a model of the integration of sustainable agriculture with food safety policy. Member Larry Yee , UC Cooperative Extension director, Ventura County, writes about the Ventura County Food Safety Study Group's purpose.
Food safety is one of the most vexing issues facing agriculture today.
A variety of constituencies and interests are involved, each with a different viewpoint on the tough questions that have been raised, and each equally passionate about its position. What's interesting is that everyone seems to agree on what we want - good health, safe food, a protected environment, economic viability, and social justice. Then the media jumps in and whips up public hysteria. There's hardly a more exciting public policy arena today. In food safety and other complex and critical issues, the University can and should play an important role.