About Us

In 2007, following a tragic outbreak of e. coli that sickened over 200 people, California farmers made an unprecedented commitment to protecting public health through the creation of the California Leafy Green Products Handler Marketing Agreement (LGMA). The program’s goal is to assure safe leafy greens and confidence in our food safety programs.

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At the heart of LGMA is a set of food safety practices that are implemented on leafy greens farms throughout the state. Working collaboratively with university and industry scientists, food safety experts, government officials, farmers, shippers and processors, the LGMA created this unique and rigorous science-based food safety system that protects public health by reducing potential sources of contamination and establishes a culture of food safety on the farm.

Leafy greens on a grocery produce shelf

LGMA members are companies that ship and sell California-grown lettuce, spinach and other leafy greens products. The California LGMA has a sister program in Arizona that is almost identical. Working with hundreds of farmers throughout California and Arizona, LGMA members produce approximately 90% of the leafy greens grown in the U.S. – that adds up to over 50 billion servings of leafy greens each year.

LGMA members produce approximately 90% of the leafy greens grown in the U.S.

LGMA membership is not mandatory but once a company decides to join, it subjects itself to mandatory government audits provided by USDA-certified, government inspectors. LGMA members are audited multiple times throughout the season and must achieve 100 percent compliance with the LGMA food safety practices.

View the Official LGMA Marketing Agreement

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Crops covered by the LGMA

Arugula

Arugula

Baby Leaf

Baby Leaf

Butter Leaf

Butter Leaf

Green Cabbage

Green Cabbage

Red Cabbage

Red Cabbage

Savoy Cabbage

Savoy Cabbage

Chard

Chard

Endive

Endive

Escarole

Escarole

Green Leaf

Green Leaf

Iceberg

Iceberg

Kale

Kale

Red Leaf

Red Leaf

Romaine

Romaine

Spinach

Spinach

Spring Mix

Spring Mix

News

LGMA Members

Advancing Food Safety Standards Through Science, Data & Continuous Improvement

Since the LGMA was established, crucial steps have been taken…

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Metrics

California LGMA Embarks on ‘Romaine Test & Learn’ Study

Two Years of Pathogen Test Results will be Aggregated and…

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Metrics

Food Safety Evolution

California LGMA provides an overview of how food safety standards…

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Certified Members

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Food Safety Program

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