Ohio Produce Marketing Agreement

 On April 15th, 2010 Mr. Bobby Jones chaired the first meeting of the Ohio Produce Marketing Agreement. He said at the beginning of the meeting before a group of people who would soon become the founders of this landmark agreement,

 "Today marks the start of Ohio farmers, growers, producers and others who make their living by the soil...taking control of our destiny and moving forward to promote and protect Ohio Agriculture through a valid and robust food safety program.

We, as producers of fresh fruits and vegetables, can never forget or
take lightly our social responsibility, to the families and businesses
that purchase and consume our life's work, to provide good wholesome food.

Ohio growers have been trusted to be good stewards of the land and
providers of fresh, healthy produce. God bless this work we are starting today, the farmers, and the great state of Ohio"

Bobby Jones, Ohio Farmer, Chair (Provisional) OPMA

What does OPMA do for you?

• A regulatory third party certification that fits your farm.
• Standards that make sense and can be implemented by anyone.
• A three tier system that lets you pick your place in Ohio agriculture, whether you are servicing a farmers market, auction, organic farmer, small roadside grower, co-op, selling to a market chain or nationwide broker.
• An Advisory Board that is staffed by farmers just like yourself who understand how to farm and have the same problems, concerns and issues that you face every day.

• Inspections conducted by experienced and educated individuals from Ohio that understand your farm.
• Very affordable.  No need for high priced third party audit fees.
• Anyone nation-wide may become a member and receive the benfits of certification, nation-wide.

The Ohio Produce Marketing Agreement (OPMA) begins a new chapter in Ohio agriculture as farmers, growers, producers and many supporters, a true grass roots effort, take charge of food safety in Ohio and work to build a statewide network of farmers, standards and inspections that are realistic, sensible and affordable.

OPMA is sponsored by www.opgma.org