California Ag Network

Tag: farmers markets

  • Bill Reintroduced to Improve Access to Locally-Grown Food

    Reps. David Valadao (R-CA) and Hillary Scholten (D-MI) reintroduced the Promoting Access to Local Agriculture Act. This legislation aims to remove administrative hurdles for small farmers and ranchers to participate in federal nutrition programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP), which would expand their economic opportunities and improve access to healthy, affordable food for families.

    “Central Valley producers grow the food that feeds our nation, but unfortunately, complicated administrative hurdles make it hard for them to provide food to families in our own communities,” Valadao said “This bipartisan bill reduces these barriers and equips small farmers and ranchers with the tools needed to accept benefits through programs like SNAP and WIC. By expanding access to fresh, locally-grown food for lower-income families and opening new markets for producers, we can both strengthen our agricultural economy and improve food access across the Valley.”

    “The Farmers Market Coalition is extremely pleased to see the introduction of this bill. Farmers markets and the farmers who sell at them face many barriers to accepting SNAP and other Federal Nutrition Benefits, and this bill would make necessary improvements to remove red tape and streamline the process. These changes will increase income for American farmers and improve access to healthy food for low-income shoppers,” said Jamie Hadji, Board President of the Farmers Market Coalition.

    Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced the companion bill in the Senate.

    “Every family deserves nutritious, affordable food, and that food can be grown right here in Minnesota. Farmers and producers are the lifeblood of Minnesota’s ag economy, and we should be doing everything we can to help farmers sell their products to families in their local community,” Smith said. “By cutting red tape and providing necessary technology and equipment, this bill will make it easier for them to accept nutrition program benefits, while simultaneously helping folks using federal nutrition programs get healthy, local food at farmers markets.”

    The Promoting Access to Local Agriculture Act would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to:

    • Streamline the application process for farmers and ranchers to participate as authorized vendors under various nutrition programs like SNAP, WIC and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Programs.
    • Streamline the equipment/technology systems needed by farmers to process the benefits.
    • Provide free wireless or mobile processing equipment and systems for farmers markets.

    Read the full text of the bill here.

    — Story contributed by the office of Rep. Valadao

  • New Bill To Help Small Wineries Sell Wine & Offer Tastings At California Farmers Markets

    State Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) announced the introduction of Senate Bill 917 on January 27th that will create opportunities for small winemakers to connect with consumers face-to-face by expanding who can sell wine and offer tastings at certified farmers markets.

    “California’s wine industry is facing one of the most difficult periods in decades,” said Laird. “Small wineries are closing, vineyards are being removed, and growers are leaving fruit on the vine. This bill is about giving family-scale winemakers a fair chance to connect directly with consumers, while maintaining strong public safety standards.”

    Sponsored by the Family Winemakers of California and the California Association of Winegrape Growers, SB 917 modernizes existing law governing Type 79 farmers market wine permits to better reflect today’s wine economy and help small producers reach new consumers.

    “Independent, family-owned wineries are essential to California’s wine identity and are where innovation, sustainability, and authenticity thrive,” said GinaLisa Tamayo, Chair of the Family Winemakers of California Board of Directors. “Expanding access to farmers market sales is critical for small businesses who rely on direct-to-consumer opportunities and this bill provides a fair and accessible pathway for small producers to compete and thrive.”

    “Vine-to-glass speaks to the farm-to-fork and ‘buy local’ sentiment that brings folks to their farmers market,” said Michael Miiller, Director of Government Relations for the California Association of Winegrape Growers. “We are happy to work with Senator Laird on this important issue and thank him for his leadership.”   

    Under current law, winemakers may only sell wine at farmers markets if it is produced exclusively from “estate-grown” grapes, meaning all grapes must be grown on-site. This requirement excludes many small and boutique wineries that responsibly source grapes from California growers. In addition, existing law limits instructional tastings to only one Type 79 permit holder per farmers market, regardless of market size or capacity.

    Laird’s legislation would allow non-estate wineries to sell wine at farmers markets, which will ensure equitable market access for the over 700 winegrowers in Senate District 17 and empower farmers markets to decide how many permit holders to allow. It will also encourage consumers to buy locally made wine, supporting small businesses and regional economic growth.

    “Farmers markets are one of the most effective ways for small producers to tell their story, educate consumers, and build loyal customer relationships,” Laird said. “By removing outdated barriers and trusting local market operators, we can support small wine businesses, strengthen local economies, and preserve California’s agricultural heritage.”