WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is holding back on its support on new Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) rule changes proposed April 9 – for now.

The organization plans to study in detail how the proposed rules would affect its 6 million members, who apparently would not have to abide by the strict requirement to register as more-regulated farmers under the new rules. In a statement to Farm World, Kristi Boswell, director of Congressional Relations for the AFBF, said, "We appreciate (the) FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) proposing rules that provide clarity on registration requirements, and (we) will comment to ensure farmers know their responsibilities and that farms are treated distinctly from (food) facilities."

The AFBF, she explained, "is in the process of reviewing the proposal; therefore, (we) do not have a position at this time."

Under the current rule, food facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food sold to the country’s consumers must register with the FDA.

The new changes eliminate food facilities that have been defined as "retail food establishments," farms, restaurants and certain other entities identified as community supported agriculture (CSA) programs.

The FDA estimates there are 71,000 farms that only sell food products to consumers through farmers’ markets, roadside stands and other CSA programs. The agency says it does not know how many farms would be required to register, so it changed the rule and eliminated all farms.

On the other hand, food facilities that are not exempt now face new provisions to the current FDA regulations. They include administrative requirements that domestic food facilities "must" give assurances to the FDA that agency food inspectors have access to their facilities "at times and in the matter" as required by law; all facilities must renew their registration every two years on dates prescribed by the regulations; and every facility must identify the company person responsible, with correct contact information provided to the FDA.

In addition, the proposed rules would add new requirements that support the FDA’s registration system, including that all food facilities must register electronically after the rule takes effect Jan. 4, 2016; and provide specific details on activity conducted at the facility for each food product category. The new rules would include measures the FDA will institute to verify the information submitted.

The public has 60 days to submit comments to the FDA. Visit www.regulations.gov and type FDA-2002-N-0323 in the "search" box to submit comments electronically.