Federal initiatives encourage the consumption of fruits and vegetables as a way to reduce risks for cancer, heart disease, obesity, and other chronic diseases. However, Centers for Disease Control (CDC) scientists note that with this increase in consumption of fresh produce an unexpected increase in food-borne illnesses has occurred. The CDC estimates that of the 76 million people who suffer from food-borne illnesses annually, 300,000 are hospitalized and approximately 5,000 people die.
Although the majority of food supply contamination events are unintentional, the potential for bioterrorism is a concern for the whole food system which includes the production, processing, transportation, retail industries and consumers.
Producer and Grower Resources
Good Agricultural Practices Program for Fruit and Vegetable Safety (GAPs) – a national effort with a goal to reduce microbial risks in fruits and vegetables through a comprehensive extension and education program for growers and packers. GAPs is based at Cornell University.
National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) created to enhance national agricultural security through quick detection of pests and pathogens.
Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic provides plant disease diagnostic services for anyone interested in plant diseases including Extension educators, growers, and home gardeners.
NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets
Safeguarding the food supply in NYS while fostering environmental stewardship and promoting a viable agricultural industry.
Crop Insurance and Disaster Resilience
Crop insurance protects the policy holder against either yield or revenue losses that are the result of specific weather-related or other natural events.
Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Responding to agricultural emergencies.
ReadyAG
Disaster and Defense Preparedness for Production Agriculture
Iowa State Center for Food Security & Public Health
Resources on public health and animal disease issues.
Consumer and Educator Resources
- CDC food safety website – Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC)
- FIGHT BAC! – Partnership for Food Safety Education
- Food Safety.gov – U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
- NYS Department of Health’s Food Handling, Preparation and Storage Program – New York State Department of Health
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Ag Sentinel Emergency Situation Reporting
CCE collaborates with NY Agriculture and Markets and the NY Farm Bureau to capture real-time disaster situational reporting. The Situational Reporting Form is designed to quickly, easily, and accurately assess damage to all agricultural inventory, and estimate economic loss.
