The Senate Agriculture and Rural Development Committee met today and referred Senate Bill 27 to the Committee on Health and Human Resources.
Senate Bill 27 would permit the sale of home-based, micro-processed foods at farmers markets. One of the presenters said that this bill would help farmers markets to continue to be small business incubators and help give rural communities access to farm fresh foods.
Senator Ojeda (D-Logan) wanted to be sure it was part of the committee substitute of the bill was that one must get certified in a canning class in order to be allowed to sell their micro-processed foods. Council assured the committee this was the case.
Senator Clements (R-Wetzel) asked how many farmers take advantage of this and what kind of products would they be. Council told him that at least 10 different farmers were interested however once the bill is passed marketing will ensue. The main products would be fruits, veggies, salsas and sauces.
Senator Miller (D-Greenbrier) questioned about what recall plans that the bill had in place for those home-based businesses and was assured they would be stated in the rules.
The bill was amended by Senator Rucker (R-Jefferson) to alter some of the language of the bill, and was amended by Senator Maynard (R-Wayne) to allow commercial kitchens to also produce these home based foods.
The bill was referred to the Committee on Health and Human Resources with the recommendation that it pass.
Senate Bill 283 was also discussed. SB 283 would transfers the production of food inspection from the Department of Health and Human Resources to the Department of Agriculture.
