California agencies responsible for food safety and water quality reporting requirements could benefit from expanded reliance on digital reporting tools and technical assistance, according to a consulting firm's assessment.
Consulting agency Crowe LLP is working with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Environmental Protection Agency and the State Water Resources Control Board to review a series of programs: the Produce Safety Program, Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program, Confined Animal Facilities Program and the Winery Order.
Across program areas, the assessment found deficiencies in data fragmentation, unclear reporting methods and missed enrollment opportunities.
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Crowe suggests the agencies make consistent digital reporting tools to improve data accessibility, create better incentive structures and better coordinate with local agencies and industry partners to encourage consistent reporting.
The study aligns with CDFA’s Ag Vision For the Next Decade, which encourages the department to work across agencies and public stakeholders to streamline regulation. Crowe is now preparing recommendations for the agencies and expects to open the draft implementation plans for public comment this fall.
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