Texas Bills Aim to Boost Local Farmers

Proposed Laws Cut Red Tape and Support Home Food Sales

In a push to support small farmers and home food producers, Texas lawmakers are considering several bills to ease regulations and promote access to local food.

A key proposal, House Bill 5459, would simplify the permitting process for farmers selling at markets by requiring only one health permit instead of two.

This would reduce costs and paperwork, especially for small-scale growers. Judith McGeary, who leads the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, noted, “And it’s particularly damaging when you think about smaller markets, especially those in food deserts where people have less access to healthy food… when farmers markets set up, odds are those farmers are making even less money.”

McGeary emphasized that reducing red tape would help small markets flourish and provide communities with better access to fresh produce.

In addition to HB 5459, lawmakers are evaluating bills that allow ungraded eggs to be sold directly to retailers and restaurants. This could help small egg producers expand their businesses.

Another proposal would revise the state’s cottage food law. It would raise the earning cap for home-based food businesses to $50,000 annually and allow more types of foods to be sold.

Supporters argue that these bills will stimulate local economies and improve food access in underserved regions. The current legislative session ends on June 2, and McGeary urged citizens to voice their support for these bills.

“It is valuable to the entire community to make it easier for our farmers to grow and get healthy food to the consumers,” she said.

If passed, these measures could bring lasting benefits to small farmers, home entrepreneurs, and Texas communities alike.