House Republican Press Release

June 7, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Sen. Roraback & Rep. Miner Champion Bill Allowing Restaurants

To Purchase Connecticut Farmers’ Market Produce

Senator Andrew Roraback, R-Goshen, and Representative Craig Miner, R-Litchfield, were pleased to announce passage of legislation that will make it possible for the state’s restaurants to serve food purchased at the Connecticut Farmers’ Markets.  The bill passed the House at 11:30PM on the last night of the 2007 legislative session. 

“This is terrific news for everyone – Connecticut’s farmers who grow the best produce that can be found anywhere, Connecticut’s restaurants whose cooks will surely appreciate the opportunity to buy the best, home-grown, produce available, and the rest of us who enjoy patronizing Connecticut’s many fine restaurants,” said Senator Roraback.

“I’m happy the legislature was able to resolve language in the statutes and in our public health regulations so that local restaurants will have the ability to acquire locally grown and very fresh produce at all Connecticut farm markets, especially the one scheduled to open this year in Litchfield,” said Rep. Miner. 

Existing state law permits Connecticut’s Farmers’ markets to directly to consumers, but not to establishments that sell food. Senator Roraback and Representative Miner proposed this legislation as an expansion of the state’s ongoing efforts to assist Connecticut’s farmers and to promote Connecticut-grown products.

“As we continue to work on strengthening agricultural viability in Connecticut, it only makes sense to encourage local restaurants to support local farmers by buying local produce,” said Senator Roraback.