Parasites on the rise at farmers markets

Wherever there is growth and vitality, parasites start to show up.  So too with the growth of farmers markets -- it hasn't taken long for the food regulators and health inspectors to appear.

This article details regulatory crack-downs in Atlanta, Dallas, and Cleveland.  Permits, fees, mandates for expensive refrigeration equipment.  But don't worry, it's for your own good.  This example in Illinois is particularly absurd:

"Several Illinois state statutes point toward persons baking in their homes are not allowed to sell for business purposes because of public health and safety complications. They can only do it through non-profit activities like fundraising."

Wait, so public health is the ostensible purpose of the statutes banning sales of homemade goods, unless you're a non-profit, in which case, have at it.  Makes a lot of sense.

I'm proud of my home state of Michigan for "legalizing the sale of certain homemade foods at farmers markets and roadside stands."  

The two bills, if passed by the House of Representatives and the state Senate, would grant an exemption to "a cottage food operation" from licensing and inspection laws previously required.
 
Currently, any prepared food, such as pies and pastries, must come from a Michigan Department of Agriculture certified kitchen, Proos said. He estimated the cost of such a kitchen at "between $15,000 and $25,000."
 
With the rise of the regulatory state, it's often the case that business activity is illegal unless you follow a prescribed set of dictates.  Here's a complaint from an obscure, antiquated document:
 

"He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our People, and eat out their substance."

 Sounds like the framers had locusts in mind when they wrote that brilliant line.  Farmers have taken it up as a battle cry.

Comments

Even for non-profits like

Submitted by Ira on Mon, 06/14/2010 - 12:22.

Even for non-profits like churches and synagogues, the regulations take a toll. Many weekends I see tons of food go to waste at catered events because government regulations prohibit food items that have already been served, say on a buffet table, from being re-served or being accepted at food pantries. Agencies like City Harvest can only legally collect packaged, prepared, back-up portions which were never served. The legal advisors to caterers advise them against keeping leftovers, for fear of food-contamination lawsuits, and that's all the encouragement  the waitstaff (which usually finds that mass-dumping of gourmet food is easier than taking the time and trouble to pack up leftovers) needs to dump most of it. I can usually salvage some at my synagogue, with a few volunteers, some of whom are unemployed members. But even what I do has to be done quietly, on an ad hoc basis: our synagogue officers are all attorneys! I've even seen non-profit city-funded senior citizen lunch programs, many of which may come under the budget-axe now, with big signs posted from the health department: DO NOT TAKE FOOD OR LEFTOVERS HOME, citing the dangers of contamination, saying that the agency cannot be responsible for the safety of food which leaves the premises! It's a legalistic approach which shows no respect at all for food and its sources. That's why, as I wrote you before, I think that food scavenging and learning how to re-use and prepare recycled food is one of the most valuable ways  we can save the planet today. And us scavengers also have our own paleo-history!  

The same thing happens with

Submitted by Alishahndra on Tue, 06/15/2010 - 19:39.

The same thing happens with supermarkets and produce.  My little brother used to work at Shaw's for years and I was appalled at the stories of fresh healthy fruits and veg going to waste...I still find both the need for and the resistance to "freeganism" (with regard to food) quite distressing. 

 It's a shame to see the

Submitted by ChrisJ on Mon, 06/14/2010 - 10:16.

 It's a shame to see the regulators cracking down on small farmer's markets. There is certainly a place for a reasonable amount of regulation in mass agriculture, but when it is impeding small local farmers from competing with the big boys then something is wrong. If a person wants to buy my raw milk,  fresh pastured eggs, or home made goods from a local farmer, they can decide whether or not the standards are high enough for themselves. With a small farm it's easy to know the quality of what you are buying - pay them a visit. Most farmers who sell at local markets are more than happy to show you where your food comes from, and if you are thinking of buying from them on a regular basis, it's in your interest to find out.

"If a person wants to buy my

Submitted by Aarurl on Tue, 06/15/2010 - 07:10.

"If a person wants to buy my raw milk,  fresh pastured eggs, or home made goods from a local farmer, they can decide whether or not the standards are high enough for themselves."  I agree with you 100%! The government is for the people right....HA! They are only protecting us..HA! I'm getting closer everyday to going off the grid and live a nice life with out any government intervention.