Connecticut farmers and food producers face a new state labeling mandate for their products, starting Oct. 1, state agriculture overseers say.
The state Department of Agriculture says it is advising farmers, food producers and consumers of recent changes in state law that refine use of the Connecticut Grown brand and logo at farmers’ markets.
As of Oct. 1, all products sold at farmers’ markets as Connecticut Grown must be accompanied by a sign that identifies the name and address of the farm or business where the product was grown or made, the agency said. The sign also must be “in the immediate proximity” of the offered product.
Under the bill, which was passed unanimously by the General Assembly and signed into law earlier in July by the governor, Connecticut Grown signs at farmers’ market must:
- be readily visible to consumers
- be at least three by five inches in size
- have lettering in a size, font, or print clearly and easily legible; and
- state something substantially similar to “THIS FARM PRODUCT IS CONNECTICUT-GROWN. THIS FARM PRODUCT WAS GROWN OR PRODUCED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSON OR BUSINESS: (name and address).”
The new law also increases the fine for violators from $25 to $100. First-time violators usually receive a warning, the agency said.
Connecticut Grown was developed in 1986 to identify agricultural products grown in-state.
Studies have shown the brand to be readily identifiable in the marketplace and that consumers look to buy from Connecticut farmers, the agriculture department said.
