National Food Safety Advisory welcomes new members

Oct 31, 2023

The National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) under USDA is getting a fresh set of eyes. With 21 newly appointed members, the committee is poised to offer renewed scientific guidance to federal agencies dedicated to food safety.

Members are chosen based on their prowess in varied domains like epidemiology, microbiology, and food science. These experts work collectively and even in specialized groups addressing distinct subjects of importance.

The role of NACMCF has been pivotal in the realm of food safety. Their insights aid in shaping regulations and programs that keep foodborne diseases at bay and promote public well-being. The list of federal entities they collaborate with is vast, spanning from USDA’s Food Safety Inspection to the Department of Defense Veterinary Services.

The tenure for these new inductees will span two years, representing a mix of academia, consumer-focused organizations, and more.

The NACMCF will be accessible during their virtual meeting scheduled from November 14 to 16, 2023. This is an opportunity to witness the committee's approach to novel projects, like their venture into the genomic characterization of pathogens. All relevant details and registration procedures are hosted on the FSIS website.

Having been functional since 1988, NACMCF stands as a testament to unbiased, scientific advice on critical public health challenges, predominantly surrounding the U.S. food supply. Their recommendations are foundational to the nation's food safety measures.

Source : wisconsinagconnection

Video: The FCDC and AgSmart Bring Plant Breeding to a Wider Audience

In the vast prairies of Alberta, Olds College’s Field Crop Development Centre (FCDC) stands as a beacon of innovation and research in the agricultural world. The institution has become a key player in advancing agricultural technologies and practices. The FCDC’s commitment to applied research has driven them to seek effective means of disseminating their findings and creating a positive impact on the farming community.

One such avenue that aligns with their mission is AgSmart, an event dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge agricultural technologies. The coming together of the FCDC’s annual Field Day and Ag Smart has proved to be a natural fit, fostering a synergy that benefits both parties and propels the agriculture industry forward. The FCDC Field Day took part in conjunction with AgSmart for the first time this week on Aug. 1-2 in Olds, Alta. FCDC Program Director Kofi Agblor and Olds College VP of Development Todd Ormann sat down for an interview with Marc Zienkiewicz to discuss the significance of the two events taking part together and what the future holds.

The Intersection of Research and Technology The essence of the FCDC lies in its dedication to plant breeding and new seed varieties, particularly barley and triticale. While conducting research is essential, it becomes meaningful when its benefits are shared with the wider community. This is where AgSmart steps in, providing a key venue for the FCDC to showcase their research. This union between research and technology creates a holistic and enriching experience for farmers, ranchers, and industry professionals, the pair said.

Seeds as Technology For the FCDC, the partnership with AgSmart goes beyond mere event collaboration. It is about creating an environment that bridges the gap between seeds and smart technology, Ormann said. The college believes that for technology to truly revolutionize agriculture, it must begin with a strong foundation — high-quality seeds. As the saying goes, “it all starts with a seed.” To demonstrate this critical aspect, the collaboration aims to showcase the seed value chain as an integral part of the smartphone.

The Birth of a Powerful Alliance The idea of joining forces emerged when staff realized the potential synergy between AgSmart and the FCDC Field Day. With just a few days separating the two events, a proposal was put forward to merge them. The marketing and communications teams from both sides worked seamlessly to ensure the essence of both events remained intact, creating a powerful alliance that leverages the strengths of each, Agblor said.

Driving Advancements in Breeding For Agblor, the partnership with AgSmart has tremendous potential to drive advancements in breeding and other technology. With technologies like drones and imaging becoming integral to phenotyping, breeding is no longer confined to vast fields to assess thousands of plants manually. Instead, it benefits from the data-rich insights brought about by smart technologies. These advancements make breeding more efficient, precise, and instrumental in shaping the future of agriculture.

Overcoming Challenges Together While the partnership between Olds College and Ag Smart has been a resounding success, there are challenges on the horizon. Securing stable funding for long-term breeding initiatives is crucial to sustain progress. The college is committed to navigating these challenges and investing in agriculture’s future sustainably, Agblor said.

National Food Safety Advisory welcomes new members

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Video: The FCDC and AgSmart Bring Plant Breeding to a Wider Audience

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