The 2024 LGMA Approved Guidelines Amendment Process
Western Growers supports the continuous improvement of the LGMA-approved leafy green food safety guidelines and facilitates a yearly systematic amendment process.
Starting in 2022, the “Priority Setting Committee,” established by the LGMAs, is responsible for assessing annual priorities. At the beginning of each year, the Priority-Setting Committee sets the topic(s) for the remainder of the year.
Submit Comments
Important Documents
Harvesting Equipment Sanitation Working Draft (Download Here)
Water Working Draft – FSMA Ag Water Rule Alignment (Download Here)
Participate in the Process
If you are interested in summitting comments to for the proposed working drafts, follow these submission guidelines:
- Download the “Working Draft” under Important Document
- Use the Word function “New Comment” to provide details on how the proposed change will enhance food safety, along with the rationale behind the change
- When you are ready to submit please submit your document by clicking on “Submit a Comment” button below. This will take you to a form where you can attach a new version of the working draft with your comments.
Note: We are only accepting proposals that follow the above steps. Comment should be submitted as a word document, scientific rationale should be included for comments submitted.
Important Dates and Events
| Event | Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Setting Process | Jan 15th – Mar 1st | Find a copy of the report and supplemental documents |
| Priority Working Process | Mar 1st – May 31st | WG and CA LGMA select the Priority working group. WG facilitates working group meetings. The priority working group proposes science-based changes for the set priority. |
| Comment Submission Process Begins | June 3rd | Comment period begins. WG, LGMA announce comment period being open |
| 30 day – comment period | June 3rd – July 2nd | The public submits comments through this website |
| Webinar – review comments and proposed changes | July 11th at 1 PM PT | WG hosts a webinar. Public comments are reviewed and vetted
Register here |
| Final Report | July 15th | WG prepares a report of comments and public vetting for the CA LGMA board to consider and discuss |
About the Leafy Green Food Safety Guidelines Amendment Process
Since the inception of the California and Arizona Leafy Greens Marketing Agreements (LGMAs), WG has been at the forefront of facilitating the review of the written “Commodity Specific Food Safety Guidelines for the Production and Harvest of Lettuce and Leafy Greens” – for the industry in California and Arizona. These guidelines are known as the LGMA-approved guidelines.
As an industry leader in produce safety, Western Growers (WG) remains committed to driving the evolution of guidance for preventive food safety programs in leafy greens as well as other commodities.
To ensure broad industry engagement and transparency, WG, in partnership with the Arizona and California LGMAs, manages a the LGMA-approved guidelines amendment process based on a yearly calendar. The food safety guidelines adopted by the LGMAs impact the way leafy greens are farmed in California and Arizona and therefore must be based on credible science balanced with practical field implementation.
Proposed changes must meet LGMA criteria to be considered. Proposals should be 1) comprehensive, 2) accompanied by a statement on how proposed changes will enhance food safety, and 3) include a clear and straightforward scientific basis or rationale, including citations of relevant research if available.
WG invites all stakeholders interested in leafy greens food safety practices to engage in this process.
The Process
For several years, WG received proposed changes and/or comments based on a systematic master calendar addressing all sections of the LGMA-approved guidelines periodically.
Starting in 2022, WG is using a Priority-Based Master Calendar. The “Priority Setting Committee,” established by the LGMAs, is responsible for assessing annual priorities.
At the beginning of each year, the Priority-Setting Committee sets the topic(s) for the remainder of the year. Working group discussions are then held to assist stakeholders in drafting comments.
Western Growers opens a 30-day comment period and hosts a web-based discussion once the comment period closes, allowing an opportunity for submitters to present their proposed changes/comments and hold an open dialogue surrounding the submissions.
After each comment period and web discussion, WG summarizes all materials (suggestions, changes, comments, attendance records, etc.) and creates a report for both the Arizona and California LGMAs. Proposed revisions noted in the report are discussed, reviewed, and go thru a final approval process handled by the LGMAs.
The Entire Process at a Glance
From the time a comment period opens to the time a proposed change may become official and included in the Leafy Green Guidelines.Western Growers only facilitates STEPS 1 and 2.
STEPS 3 and 4 are executed by the AZ or CA LGMAs.
Step 1
The Priority-Setting Committee determines topics for the calendar year. Western Growers then hosts working group discussions to assist stakeholders to develop proposed changes/comments.
Step 2
Western Growers opens a 30-day comment period. During this period, proposed changes/comments are submitted and reviewed for consideration and discussion. Virtual web-based discussions are hosted to allow for dialogue surrounding all submissions.
Step 3
Western Growers hosts a public discussion(s). During these public meetings proposed changes/comments are vetted and summarized in a written report for the Arizona and California LGMAs to review and consider.
Step 4
The Arizona LGMA Technical Subcommittee and the California LGMA Technical Committee review, discuss and recommend proposed changes/comments that meet the LGMA criteria to the CA LGMA Board and the AZ LGMA Food Safety Committee for final review and approval. Approved changes become part of the LGMA-approved guidelines and then the audit checklists are updated and become effective once this update process is completed.
What Should You Know About the Amendment Process?
Western Growers follows a Priority-Based Master Calendar and periodically adjusts this process based on stakeholder and industry needs.
Western Growers engages a comprehensive distribution list that includes growers, shippers, handlers, suppliers, universities, buyers and all entities interested in this review process.
Subscribers receive updates about the process, including reminders about web-based discussions. To engage with us, be added or removed from our distribution list, please email us at WGScience@wga.com.