House approves bill to let farmers sell value‑added foods at markets, raises annual sales cap to $150,000

The Louisiana House approved House Bill 150 on June 4, a measure that creates an exemption from some licensing requirements for farmers who produce value‑added food products and sell them at farmers markets. Representative Coates presented the bill on the floor, describing a new section that would sit alongside existing cottage‑food law but specifically address farmers selling value‑added products.

Under the measure as discussed on the floor, farmers would need to register their land with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (FSA number), use only pasteurized milk in applicable foods, affix required labeling, register for sales tax and sell products at farmers markets rather than in retail stores. The initial bill set a $50,000 annual gross sales cap; Representative Desotel offered and the House adopted an amendment raising the cap to $150,000, noting Texas recently adopted a similar threshold.

Why it matters: the bill expands opportunities for small and beginning farmers to sell value‑added products and aims to support agricultural entrepreneurship and youth involvement in farming programs. Supporters said it would help farm families and encourage young people to remain in agriculture.

Outcome: after the floor amendment raising the cap, the House approved the bill; the clerk recorded 70 yeas and 21 nays on final passage.

Background and details: Representative Coates said producers would be required to hold an FSA land registration number, use pasteurized milk in products, and comply with labeling and sales‑tax registration. The bill limits sales channels to farmers markets and includes a gross‑receipts cap to define the exemption’s scope. Supporters framed the change as aligning state rules with developments in other states and addressing a need to help youth and small producers start businesses.

Ending: HB 150 clears the House and will proceed to the Senate for consideration. The higher $150,000 cap could broaden the number of producers who qualify for the exemption if the Senate concurs and the governor signs the bill.