Food-borne illness linked to pathogens in meat, processed food, and produce has led to increased attention to food safety issues at all points along the supply chain, including the farm. Farmers can produce safe food without sacrificing responsible on-farm conservation measures, such as maintaining riparian habitat or other non-crop vegetation. By using risk assessment strategies and explaining their rationale for management decisions to include conservation measures, farmers can more effectively advocate for their farming practices with buyers and food safety auditors.
Baumgartner, Jo Ann and Dave Runsten. 2011. Farming with Food Safety and Conservation in Mind. Wild Farm Alliance in collaboration with Community Alliance with Family Farmers. Watsonville, California.