Connecticut food growers say consumers will see more variety in fresh poultry and produce at local farmers’ markets and on restaurant tables – and an increase in jobs — from a new law signed by the governor.
The “farms, foods and jobs” law Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed Tuesday immediately allows certain growers to sell dressed poultry and other poultry products directly to consumers, restaurants and hotels. The law covers Connecticut farms that produce fewer than 5,000 turkeys and 20,000 other poultry a year.
The statute, also known as the “pickle bill,” permits growers after Jan. 1, 2011 to home-can and sell acidified foods, such as pickles, relishes and salsas. Â Growers must first pass a food safety course. Canning of meat, dairy products, eggs, fish, poultry and shellfish is not allowed.
The new law also expands the operating schedules for farmers’ markets. Previously, those markets had to have scheduled hours. Now, they are permitted to operate as part of specific events, such as county or town fairs.
Finally, the state’s Milk Promotion Board is allowed to access part of the federal milk promotion funds for local use, educating state residents about the benefits of milk and funding promotion and research.
“With the growing demand for locally-grown foods, this new law will allow farmers to access a greater portion of the market and consumers will benefit,” says Don Tuller, president of the Connecticut Farm Bureau Association. “When they sell more products, we’ll see more jobs created and more revenue come into the state’s economy.”
