Fourteen Democrats in Congress asked the FDA to help small farmers comply with new food safety laws due next spring, said The Hill newspaper. “Lawmakers say they are most concerned about the new preventive controls for human food at factories and warehouses and what will be a first-ever nationwide standard for produce safety.” The new rules stem from the Food Safety Modernization Act. The letter, spearheaded by Sen. Chris Murphy and Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, asked the FDA to implement technical assistance and training programs for small farmers, small producers, and fruit and vegetable wholesalers. The lawmakers say FSMA would create a national standard for produce safety.