Even though local foods travel a very short physical distance from farm to table, the farmers travel a long road littered with barriers in the form of government regulations.  Big Agribusinesses has a lot of power in our system, and the laws and regulations have been made by and for Agribusiness.  The Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA) works to protect local farmers from unnecessary and overly burdensome government regulations, thereby improving consumer access to healthy local foods.

The Texas Legislature will be in session January-May 2011.  FARFA is working hard to get new laws introduced to help farmers, while battling new laws that would further burden our local producers.

€¢    Improving access to raw milk: Grade A licensed farmers can sell raw milk in Texas, but only “on farm,” i.e. consumers must drive out to the farm.  HB 75 and SB 237 would allow licensed farmers to sell at farmers markets and make delivery arrangements.  FARFA has worked closely with farmers and consumers to get this legislation introduced, and we will defend it against the Big Dairy lobby.

€¢    Promoting reasonable regulations for farmers markets:  Ambiguous state laws have led to problems at farmers markets with sampling of foods, preparing hot foods, and keeping cold foods chilled.  Different local governments have applied the state laws differently, creating confusion.  FARFA is working on a bill to clarify and simplify the state laws applying to farmers markets.

€¢    Promoting “cottage foods”: The costs of a commercial kitchen can be prohibitive for start up businesses and small-scale producers.  FARFA is working on a “cottage foods bill” to allow small-scale producers selling low-risk foods, such as jams, jellies, baked goods, and dried herbs, to sell their products directly to consumers without needing a commercial kitchen.

€¢    Preventing Agribusiness takeover of livestock standards:  Agribusiness groups around the country have tried to “advisory boards” to control how farmers manage livestock, and staff them with Agribusiness representatives.  A bill has been filed to establish an advisory board here in Texas, and we will work to ensure that, if it does pass, it includes representatives of local and sustainable livestock producers.

€¢    And more!  From property taxes for urban community gardens to licensing of farmers raising fruits and vegetables to water law, Texas farmers – and the consumers who wish to buy food from them – face a multitude of issues in the upcoming Texas Legislative session.

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