The Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee today (June 11) approved a bill that would ease the regulatory burden on Pennsylvania farmers who sell their produce at farmers’ markets, according to Committee Chairman Senator Elder Vogel.
Senate Bill 996 would allow the Department of Agriculture to issue a single, statewide license to the owner of a mobile retail food facility. Currently, farmers who wish to sell crops at various farmers’ markets are required to purchase a license in each food safety jurisdiction. This bill will still require food safety inspections at every facility.
“This bill will ease the burden that is imposed on farmers who want to sell their products at various farmers’ markets,” said Senator Vogel, the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 996. “This will streamline the process and provide a greater incentive for local farmers to participate in more of these markets. This helps farming families and provides greater access to fresh Pennsylvania-grown fruits and vegetables for everyone.”
The measure now goes to the full Senate for consideration.
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Mike Rader
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