University of Maryland Soliciting Farms to Participate in Research Study

[Future Harvest - CASA]

The University of Maryland is soliciting farms to participate in a research study.  The study is looking for farms that both grow vegetables and have animals for meat or eggs.  They will do a bacteriologic survey of your animal feed, animal feces, compost, soil, vegetables, eggs, meat products, counter tops, sinks, etc.  The will do a comprehensive risk assessment focused on Salmonella, Campylobacter and Enterohaemorrhagic E.coli (EHEC).  All results and your farm's participation will remain completely confidential.  Farm-specific recommendations will be made based on the results.  "As a farmer who sells food to the public, participating in the study gave me new insight into sanitation on my farm.  We have already implemented changes to our management based on the results."  William Morrow, Whitmore Farm, Emmitsburg, MD.

Farms interested in participating should contact Dr. Debabrata Biswas, Assistant Professor, Department of Animal & Avian Sciences and Center for Food Safety and Security Systems, 301-405-3791 or dbi...@umd.edu