Koehler Opens Farmers’ Markets to More Entrepreneurs

State Senator Dave Koehler’s (D-Peoria) proposal to open farmers’ markets to home-made products is on its way to the governor’s desk.

The bill allows private citizens to sell baked goods and other safe food products made in their own homes at farmers’ markets and other community events. Under current state law, vendors can only sell foods made in commercial kitchens.

“Farmers’ markets aren’t just a place to buy fresh, locally produced foods. They’re also a place for entrepreneurs to get their feet in the door and for the community to come together,” Koehler said. “By changing the law, we will make it easier for more people to participate and help some Illinois families bring home a little bit of extra income. For example, a farmer who grows apples or strawberries can turn those fresh fruits into pies or preserves to sell at the market.”

Senate Bill 840 specifies that only goods that are not likely to spread food-borne illnesses can be produced in home kitchens. In general, these are products that do not contain meat, uncooked eggs, or uncooked dairy and that do not need to be kept at a controlled temperature.  Even with these rules in place, entrepreneurs will be able to sell a wide variety of baked goods, jams, jellies, preserves, fruit butters, dried herbs, and dried tea blends. Some of the specific foods that are allowed and prohibited are listed in the bill.

The bill also requires all products to be accompanied by appropriate labels that list all ingredients and warn that the product was homemade and not inspected by any state or local food safety agency. Anyone who wants to sell homemade products must have a Food Service Sanitation Management Certificate, and the Department of Public Health can order individuals to stop selling products if it has evidence indicating that they are not safe. Health departments can also charge reasonable registration fees to ensure there is no additional cost to taxpayers.

“Even with these health-based restrictions in place, we’ve given local farmers new opportunities and opened the door to new vendors,” Koehler said.  “I think we’ve really done a good job of making sure we keep people safe at the same time.”

The bill has passed the Illinois General Assembly and is on its way to the governor.

“The farmers’ market movement has been growing here in Illinois and across the country for decades,” Koehler said. “I think it’s a good trend. Buying seasonal, local foods is good for the environment and frequently a healthy choice. These markets also help bring people together and build stronger community ties.  It’s a lot different to buy a head of lettuce, fresh eggs, or now, a home-made pie from the person who grew the vegetables, raised the chickens, or baked the pie than it is to buy them at the grocery store.”



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