STATEHOUSE – State Rep. Sue Ellspermann (R-Ferdinand) authored a bill that will expand farmers’ rights to sell items at farmer’s markets or roadside stands. House Bill (HB) 1312 passed the House by a vote of 73-24 and will now move onto the Senate for further consideration. This legislation would expand the rights of an individual who sells items at a farmers’ market or roadside stand to be able to grow the food product not just from their home, but from other property they lease or own, as well. The bill would also allow poultry to be sold at a farmer’s market or roadside stand if it was prepared following federal guidelines. Further, the bill would create a summer study committee to research the obstacles farmers face in producing, processing, and distributing locally grown food and finding strategies to encourage the distribution of locally grown products to Hoosier consumers. “The local farmers at farmers’ markets are entrepreneurs, and my hope is that this legislation will eliminate unnecessary obstacles they face in selling their homegrown foods at farmers’ markets. Further, I look forward to innovative solutions emerging from the study committee to consider how we can increase Hoosier consumption of locally grown foods,” said Rep. Ellspermann. -30- Rep. Ellspermann authors bill to expand farmers' rights.docx |
