Since this is such an important issue and it really needs to be addressed ASAP I am posting this and urging you to follow the instructions at http://cornucopia.org/index.php/protect-fresh-leafy-greens-and-family-farms/more-362 to submit comments about this issue.

Bottom line, as a result of the e-coli spinach scare the USDA wants to regulate leafy green farming policies in a very restrictive way that will impact small & medium farms especially ones that grow diverse crops.

To do this online follow these instructions
1) To submit online:
Go to www.regulations.gov In the middle of the screen, you will see "Search Documents."
In Step 1, choose "Documents with an open comments period"
In Step 2, choose "Department of Agriculture"
In Step 3, choose "PROPOSED RULES"
In Step 4, choose "Docket ID" and then type in "AMS-FV-07-0090"
Hit "Submit."
Next, you will see a column titled "Comments, add/due by." Click on the tiny tan dialogue icon, and you are now ready to submit your information and your comment.

This is what I wrote:

As a US citizen who frequently purchases organic leafy green produce from local sources, I am
deeply concerned about the proposed regulations in AMS-FV-07-0090. Our small and medium
scale local farms are a valuable resource to our state and contribute to our growing local
economy.

The costly and overly burdensome regulations for small- and medium-scale growers could drive
these farmers out of business which could cause significant financial harm to our rural state. As
a consumer of leafy greens and a supporter of environmentally sustainable, local food systems,
I urge the USDA to not support one-size-fits-all requirements that would dictate to farmers how
to grow their vegetables, especially when such guidelines are not evidence based and are written
by and for large-scale operations, not small local farms for whom these regulations would be
prohibitive to their sustainability.

Sincerely
(your name here)