Members of a Texas House committee this week will consider a bill that would limit the number of permits farmers must have to participate at farmers markets.
Currently in Texas, growers must have a permit from both the state health department and their local jurisdiction. House Bill 5459 would make it so they only need one permit.
Judith McGeary, executive director of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, said extra permits add expenses that cut into farmers’ profits.
“And it’s particularly damaging when you think about smaller markets, especially those in food deserts where people have less access to healthy food,” she said, “because the reality is, when farmers markets set up, odds are those farmers are making even less money.”
McGeary said the bill would expand opportunities for farmers and increase access to healthy food across Texas.
Several other bills designed to help small growers are being considered by state lawmakers. One bill would allow farmers to sell ungraded eggs to restaurants and retailers. Another bill being considered is called the “cottage food law,” which allows Texans to make foods in their home kitchens and make up to $50,000 annually by selling it.
McGeary said everyone benefits if these bills are passed.
“It is valuable to the entire community to make it easier for our farmers to grow and get healthy food to the consumers,” she said.
The legislative session ends on June 2. McGeary encouraged anyone interested in these bills to reach out to their legislators.
