The bill amends current agricultural law in Kansas to require beekeepers who wish to sell packaged honey and honeycombs to register with the Department of Agriculture, rather than merely permitting them to do so. This registration is at no cost and is contingent upon meeting specific requirements, including packaging the products on their property, labeling them correctly, and maintaining records of sales. Additionally, the bill stipulates that registered beekeepers are not required to have a commercial kitchen or certain facilities typically mandated under the Kansas food, drug, and cosmetic act, provided they adhere to minimum sanitary standards.

Furthermore, the bill reduces the annual gross sales limit for beekeepers from $50,000 to $25,000 to qualify for this registration exemption. It also introduces a disclaimer requirement on product labels stating that the products are not subject to routine inspection by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. The bill aims to streamline the process for small-scale beekeepers while ensuring that food safety standards are maintained.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 65-689
As Amended by House Committee: 65-689
As Amended by Senate Committee: 65-689