No one understands the partnership between the earth and its people better than those who steward the land. But for generations, farmers in the Volunteer State could not make direct sales to the public of temperature-controlled foods or canned goods.
That changed in 2022 when state lawmakers passed the Tennessee Food Freedom Act. The bill allowed farmers and other cottage-food producers to sell certain homemade, nonperishable foods, including baked goods and jams, with no need for inspection or licensing.
Recently, the Tennessee House of Representatives expanded Tennessee’s cottage-food laws with the passage of House Bill 130, enabling Tennessee farmers and food entrepreneurs to legally sell homemade foods that include perishable foods such as dairy, eggs and poultry.
“This gives small producers more flexibility to meet the growing demand for local, fresh and prepared foods,” said bill sponsor Rep. Michele Reneau, R-Hixson.
(READ MORE: Reneau, Hamilton County’s newest lawmaker, passes ‘chicken pot pie’ bill)