Legislation Looks To Expand Direct To Consumer Options In Idaho

On Thursday, legislation was introduced in the Idaho Senate aimed at expanding opportunities for ranchers, farmers and home-based producers statewide to sell food directly to consumers.  Nampa Republican Todd Lakey introduced Senate Bill 1283.

“It's an effort to reduce government regulation on small-scale, homemade food and non-alcoholic drink products," Lake said.  "That is, those that are direct from the producer to the consumer."

Lakey added SB1283 reflects growing consumer demand for locally produced food and ensures regulations better match the size of these sales, rather than treating them like large commercial food operations.  The legislation also clarifies how animal shares and certain custom meat arrangements may operate.

SB 1283 does not eliminate food safety laws; The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare would still have authority to investigate confirmed foodborne illness.  The bill also does not protect producers from civil liability, meaning consumers could still pursue legal action in cases of negligence or misrepresentation.

Click Here to learn more about SB 1283.

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