MANATEE -- Local tomato growers say a federal bill introduced to compensate growers and packers nationwide for their losses due to the salmonella scare is a step that could change the agricultural industry. Bob Spencer of West Coast Tomato in Palmetto on Thursday said the bill - which was introduced Wednesday night - could force the federal government to review its procedures when it comes to issuing food safety alarms. The salmonella scare is estimated to have cost growers and packers $100 million in losses. "I don't want to waste a lot of time waiting for the money from the federal government, but if we can make them more hesitant to repeat what they did in the future, this will all be worth it," Spencer said. Other Manatee growers had similar reactions to a bill introduced by Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-Palm Beach Gardens. The...
[read full story]
Your Web Site
