Food Day 2014 is nearly here! Food Day is a day when communities all across the country are gathering to support and celebrate healthy, affordable, and sustainable food – it’s a big day for the future of our food and farms.

Food Day itself is just one day – October 24 – but the reality is that decisions get made every single day that affect the future of our food and farms. From a mother choosing to prepare fresh vegetables for dinner to a farmer deciding to pursue organic certification to a legislator in Congress voting to fund farm to school programs, every decision matters.

Here’s an easy decision you can make today: do you want to see both safe AND sustainable food in your community – in your schools, grocery stores, and farmers markets?

If the answer is yes, now’s the time to speak up! And you can do so with just a few clicks.

This Food Day, we have a rare opportunity. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently revised several key parts of what are known as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) rules, and they’re asking for feedback from farmers and consumers before the rules are finalized.

This ‘second draft’ of the proposed rules is much better than last year’s first cut – but there’s still work to do. FSMA is the first major overhaul of our nation’s food safety practices since 1938, and the regulations include new requirements for farms that grow fresh produce (fruits and vegetables) and for facilities that process food for people to eat. This means it represents some big changes to our food system – and it is extremely important for the FDA to get these regulations right so that they improve food safety without placing an unfair burden on family farms, local food systems, or access to healthy food.

We have the chance to fix FSMA so that the rules support a healthier and more just, sustainable food system. Let’s fix FSMA and ensure the final rules live up to the ideals of Food Day 2014!

Add your name to this letter to FDA to show your support for safe and sustainable food through FSMA rules that encourage – not prohibit – the use of sustainable farming practices; that encourage – not stifle – innovative local food and farm efforts; and that are transparent, consistent, and – most importantly – fair for family farmers.

We’re glad so many have come together today to celebrate a healthier and more just, sustainable food system. Show your support for a better food future – and safe food produced by thriving, sustainable family farmers – by signing this letter today, and stay tuned for more ways to fix FSMA in the coming weeks!

PS – Are you a farmer or food entrepreneur? Do you operate a farm or food business? If the answer is yes, FDA wants to hear directly from you! Sign up here for food safety updates and to get more information on how to comment directly on the rules (just be sure to check the food safety box). NSAC is preparing special guidance for farmers, food entrepreneurs, and organizations that work with farmers that will be ready in the weeks to come.