On February 1, the Virginia House Agriculture Sub-Committee quietly killed an amended version of the Virginia Food Freedom Act (HB 619) by tabling the bill during a subcommittee hearing. The amended version of HB 619 would have
State News
Bavuso’s Fight for Local Aquaculture in Virginia Continues
Anthony Bavuso began oyster farming on his property in York County, Virginia because he wanted to be a producer and saw oysters as a way to help improve
Food Freedom Farce in Virginia
When is a final committee vote on a bill not final? In Virginia, it’s when the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) decides it doesn’t like the outcome.
Who’s Afraid of Hawkins Family Farm?
Legislation prohibiting or restricting market access for local food producers is not about food safety but rather about eliminating competition for the industrial food system, often before local producers can get any traction
Illinois Raw Milk Regulations Now Final
On January 13, the Illinois Joint Commission on Administrative Rules (JCAR) approved regulations governing raw milk production and sales; the Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) spent over three years