The bill aims to enhance food resiliency in Vermont by increasing the supply and distribution of locally produced food products, improving access to the local food marketplace for both producers and consumers, and supporting small-scale food producers. Key provisions include raising the licensing exemption limit for at-home bakery products to account for inflation, establishing definitions for cottage food operations and products, and implementing training requirements for food manufacturing establishment operators and employees to ensure health and sanitation standards.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding licensing fees and exemptions for food manufacturing establishments, particularly cottage food operations, which will now be exempt from licensing fees if their gross receipts are below specified thresholds. The Commissioner of Health is tasked with adopting emergency rules to implement these provisions until permanent rules are established, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 18-4353, 18-4358
As Passed By the House -- Official: 18-4353, 18-4358
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 18-4353, 18-4358
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 18-4353, 18-4358, 18-4301, 18-4303
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 18-4301, 18-4303, 18-4353, 18-4358
As Enacted: 18-4301, 18-4303, 18-4353, 18-4358