Supporting Senate Bill 233

🐝🍁🍁 CALL TO ACTION 🍁🍁🐝

We would greatly appreciate the support of our friends and family for Senate Bill 233. Please contact your reps and pass the word along!

Please contact your State Representative and ask that they support and bring to a vote Senate Bill 233 before the 2019 regular session ends on June 6th. Senate Bill 233, which was passed unanimously earlier this spring in the Senate is of particular importance to maple syrup and honey producers. This legislation moves the regulation of both inherently agricultural products from the Department of Consumer Protection to the Department of Agriculture. The CT DoAg is very familiar with maple agricultural activities and seasonal production practices. Whereas under DCP there was no provision allowing production of maple syrup in farm outbuildings without becoming a licensed FME (or licensed food establishment with the Department of Health), it might now be possible under DoAg to recognize the sugar-house, without licensing, as a legitimate location for quality maple syrup production. Furthermore, sugar-houses may once again be able to sell maple products to the corner store (wholesale) without licensing under the FME allowing the industry to grow in the state. These all become possibilities if SB233 remains intact and becomes law.

This would significantly impact local farmers who produce maple syrup and honey by granting consumers greater access and supporting small business. There would be wonderful outcomes for local commerce and we all have the ability to positively influence this agenda with a simple email!

Feel free to copy and paste this message 👩🏻‍🌾 👨🏻‍🌾

~ Nicole