Dear friend,

House Bill 396, which would expand access to locally produced meat, including allowing meat from animals processed at custom exempt facilities to be sold to consumers throughout New Hampshire has passed the state House and Senate and was presented to the governor for signature. Currently, meat processed by custom exempt facilities can only be delivered back to the owner of the animal for consumption in the owner’s household.

The bill, if signed, is expected to be enacted immediately, though the new law would be in conflict with federal law, which does not permit sales of meat from uninspected facilities. So, while the future of the law’s implementation will remain uncertain, getting it passed into law would send a message of support for small farms who face ever increasing challenges in getting the foods they produce to their customers. Furthermore, it would be a giant step forward in expanding food freedom for producers and consumers alike, and encourage other states to adopt similar measures.