As small farmers who produce livestock get more squeezed out of the retail market, at least one state is leading a charge against federal government overreach: New Hampshire. Yes, “Live Free or Die.” That state, bless ’em.
The legislature passed a bill, HB396, that allows 3 beef, 5 hogs, and 10 goats and sheep to be slaughtered on-farm per month and sold to individuals, grocery stores, and restaurants without inspection. It does require adequate cooling. It’s by far the most aggressive meat-freedom and farm-to-market-access legislation in the nation.
But the governor vetoed it Here is her justification.
The Governor’s veto statement for House Bill 396 is below:
“Agriculture is an important part of our state’s economy and heritage, and I appreciate the bill’s intent to provide additional meat processing access for small farmers and producers. Unfortunately, this proposal violates the federal Meat Inspection Act as confirmed in a letter written to the Commissioner of Agriculture Shawn Jasper by Acting Administrator of the Office of Investigation, Enforcement, and Audit Food Safety and Inspection Service of the USDA. New Hampshire has not established its own Meat and Poultry Inspection Program and therefore, the state relies on federal inspection of these products.
“The USDA stated that they routinely provide inspection to low volume, seasonal or infrequent producers and are willing to work with local producers to meet their needs. They also noted that they “were not aware of any outstanding or unmet requests for inspection” in New Hampshire. They offered time and resources to work with the state to reduce the burden on small producers. I am sensitive to the needs of our small producers and will instruct the Commissioner of Agriculture to convene a group of our small producers to discuss a path forward that does not violate federal law putting these local producers at risk for federal action and creating potential food safety issues.
“For these reasons, I have vetoed House Bill 396.”
On Aug. 19 the legislature will attempt to override her veto. If they can’t override it, be assured they’ll be back next year for another round. The governor is showing both ignorance and weakness. The legislators know full well the federal government will sue the first farmer who sells a ribeye steak to a neighbor under this new state law. Numerous pro bono law firms are eager to take the case. What fun.
Fair use excerpt. Read the whole article here.
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