Legislation affecting farmers markets is headed to Senate

Legislation sponsored by Representative Mike Tryon that would standardize rules and regulations for people who want to sell fresh fruits and vegetables at Farmers Markets across the state was approved by a unanimous vote in the Illinois House on Tuesday.

“Today in Illinois we have 102 counties and 100 health departments,” said Tryon. “Each department sets its own regulations for farmers markets, and for those vendors who wish to sell their goods in different counties, it is very difficult to ensure compliance.”

House Bill 5657 seeks to amend the Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act by standardizing the regulations and fees associated with Farmers Markets in Illinois. With its unanimous adoption in the House, the bill now moves to the Senate, where Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) will serve as the bill’s Chief Senate Sponsor.  Read more about this legislation.