Pending state house bills to favor local farmers

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Local farmers who set up at Wednesday’s Feast of Artisans Market, expressed excitement about pending legislation that would alleviate the stranglehold they’re currently experiencing trying to get their products to market.

Earlier in the day, February 27, Texas House members heard two bills that will favor local farmers and enable them to better provide healthy alternatives to consumers. In particular, House Bill 910, that would place a cap on the fees levied on farmers at community markets. The other, House Bill 46, would lessen the restrictions on raw milk sales.

To be specific, HB 910 would restrict permits given to farmers to $50, with the renewable permits lasting at least a year. Judith McGeary, executive director of Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, said that one of the biggest issues among statewide farmers market organizers were fees imposed by local governments. Currently farmers are assessed a fee for every market site in Montgomery County, making it cost-prohibitive for them to sell their product at more than one market.

“Small farmers have a very low profit margin to begin with,” said McGeary. “Some farmers don’t have enough profit margin to even cover the permits.”

There’s no shortage of markets to set up at; there are numerous locations throughout Montgomery County. The shortage is in the number and variety of vendors able to participate in multiple markets.

“No matter which market they set up at, it will be inconvenient for someone who wants to shop for fresh produce and local products and can't attend a particular market that their favorite vendor participates in,” said Lorraine Richardson, the organizer and promoter for The Feast of Artisans Farmers Market. “If they pass HB 910 we’ll have a lot more vendors at this market.”

State regulation has also affected dairy farmers profit margins. Currently dairy farmers can’t sell raw milk directly to their customers, a practice that forces customers to drive directly to farms to buy the milk. HB 46 will allow direct sales of milk to customers.

“For the benefit of the local farmers/food producers, as well as the community, we all hope these bills pass,” said Richardson.

The House Public Health Committee heard public testimony on the bills in the state capital, Wednesday, February 27, starting at 8 a.m. Woodlands Online contacted the office of State Senator, Tommy Williams, on the status of HB 910 and HB 46. As of the morning of February 28, both bills are currently still ‘in committee.’

“If one or both bills fail to pass, there will be plenty of reason to cry over spilt milk,” added Richardson.

If you would like to help these House Bills pass, please visit the link provided.