media release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2012
Contact: Wendy White, (303)
239-4119, Wendy.White@ag.state.co.us
Online Resource Helps Food
Businesses Navigate Food Safety and Regulatory Issues
LAKEWOOD, Colo. – A new
website has been developed to familiarize Colorado food producers and food
product manufacturers with federal, state and local food licensing regulations
and to help ensure that the path food travels from farm to fork is safe. The
website, www.cofarmtomarket.com, is
for farmers’ market vendors, farmers’ market managers, ag producers, food product manufacturers and others
targeting direct markets such farm to school, restaurants, retail stores, and
institutions.
“Marketing and selling
food products can be one of the most challenging aspects to a farm enterprise
or food entrepreneur, especially when direct sales are involved,” said Wendy
White, marketing specialist for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “We
hope this website helps food businesses develop and expand their products and
marketing channels.”
Consumers nationwide are
looking to buy fresh, local food from producers whom they can talk in person,
ask questions, and establish relationships. These new
market opportunities such as roadside stands, farmers’ markets, community
supported agriculture programs (CSAs), and cooperatives with restaurants and
institutions, require expertise not only in marketing and management, but also
in safe food production and handling. Selling clean, wholesome food is a
primary part of creating and maintaining customer confidence.
The website helps
businesses understand how to ensure the safety and quality of fresh produce and
food products, while gaining satisfaction from working and building
relationships with community members. The site also includes information
regarding the Cottage Foods Act which was signed into law in March 2012.
“We hope that the
Cottage Foods Act checklist will help new food businesses better prepare for
direct market sales, as well as help farmers’ market managers organize the
required and recommended information from vendors proposing cottage food sales
in their markets,” said Martha Sullins of Colorado
State University Extension. “In the coming months, additional interpretation,
guidance and recommendations will be posted to this web site, so we are
encouraging people to visit the site often.”
The website was created
by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Colorado State University Extension
and the Colorado Farmers’ Market Association with support from the Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment.
For more information contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture Markets Division at (303) 239-4119 or visit www.cofarmtomarket.com.
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