Tim McArdle to Represent ResponsibleAg

A familiar retail industry leader is taking on responsibilities as a spokesman for ResponsibleAg. Tim McArdle, immediate past chair of ResponsibleAg and retired COO with Brandt, will serve as ResponsibleAg Industry Ambassador, according to Gary Vogen, board chair and vice president of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at Yara. 

“Tim will work with agribusinesses and organizations throughout the industry to ensure all stakeholders understand ResponsibleAg’s purpose as well as the individual and collective benefits its initiatives provide to help improve compliance and safety throughout our industry,” Vogen said.

“Tim is a well-respected industry veteran and committed volunteer supporting ResponsibleAg since its beginning. He has a wealth of knowledge about the needs and operations of the ag retail industry and is a valuable resource for the organization.” Vogen said. “We’re excited he will continue to support ag retail by helping even more businesses achieve ResponsibleAg compliance certification.”

Look for Tim at industry events in the coming months or reach out to him at Tim.McArdle@responsibleag.org. He can answer your questions about becoming ResponsibleAg certified, becoming an auditor or finding out more about ResponsibleAg in general. He is in Illinois and will work part-time for the organization.

Launched in 2014, ResponsibleAg provides an audit and certification program to help participating locations ensure they comply with pertinent regulations from OSHA, DOT, EPA and DHS to keep employees, customers and communities safe.

The ResponsibleAg audit encompasses up to 17 areas of operation, depending on the type of facility. For facilities in California, ResponsibleAg offers a checklist that includes state regulations. Following an audit, the facility receives a corrective action plan detailing how to resolve any issues identified. Once corrections are made, the facility achieves ResponsibleAg certification, which is good for three years. Recertification ensures personnel stay up to date on safe practices and facilities comply with new or updated rules and regulations.

McArdle says the goal of the program is for all registered facilities to be audited by a ResponsibleAg-credentialed auditor and to resolve all identified audit issues, with the goal of compliance with all federal regulations.

Resources to Help Participants Reach Compliance

ResponsibleAg offers various resources that make it easier for participating facilities to achieve compliance, including the online Compliance Assistance Library with concise summaries of regulatory standards pertinent to ag retailers, the Compliance Assessment Tool and EZ Search.

For more information about the organization, the ResponsibleAg certification program or becoming a ResponsibleAg Credentialed Auditor, visit https://responsibleag.org.

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