7-17 IAT Walden Simpson

 U.S. Representatives Greg Walden, Mike Simpson lead a meeting with the FDA to voice concerns about new water quality rules affecting fruit and vegetable growers.

The issue is about watering crops with water having e-coli in it. The FDA wanted to put their foot down. So U.S. Reps. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) and Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) last week led a meeting with other members of Congress and top officials at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to directly convey concerns they have heard from Oregon and Idaho onion farmers and fruit growers about new water quality rules that could cripple family farms nationwide.

Walden and Simpson invited the FDA officials to travel to Oregon and Idaho, and the officials are planning a trip to Oregon, Idaho, and Washington next month to hear from Northwest growers first-hand. Here’s U.S. Rep. Greg Walden spokesperson, Andrew Malcom: “When Greg heard concerns from eastern Oregon farmers, particularly onion growers, about new water quality rules the FDA is drafting, he asked for a meeting with the agency to air these concerns directly. Greg is pleased that the agency has agreed to work with farmers as the rules are drafted, and that they are willing to travel to eastern Oregon and Idaho to hear from onion producers and other growers there directly. A practical, common-sense rule will help achieve the goal of greater food safety without placing unnecessary regulatory burdens on American farm families that could drive them out of business.”