Vermont House amends H.603 to let small farms sell poultry cuts without inspection under labeling rules

Members of the Vermont House on the floor debated and amended H.603, a bill that would expand the state’s existing on-farm poultry-processing exemption so small farmers can sell individual cuts rather than only whole birds while preserving sanitation and labeling requirements.

Representative Supernaut, the member from Barnard speaking for the House Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry Committee, said the change removes the requirement that exempt poultry be sold only whole and adds uniform labeling and safe-handling instructions. “H.603, while simple in its changes to language, will have a profound economic impact on our farmers,” Representative Supernaut said, arguing the bill would let farmers meet consumer demand and increase farm revenue with minimal new infrastructure.

Under current Vermont law, on-farm processing without inspection is allowed up to 20,000 birds annually if the product remains whole and is sold direct to consumers rather than to retail stores or across state lines. The committee’s amendment strikes the ‘‘whole birds only’’ language and inserts the term “raw poultry products” to ensure the bill does not permit sale of prepared foods; the amendment also requires labels to include product name, farm name and address, and the phrase “exempt per 6 V.S.A. §3312(b) not inspected,” together with safe-handling instructions.

Committee members reported testimony from multiple farmers and agency officials, including the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, and a number of farms and rural advocates. The committee reported the bill out with a committee vote reported in committee as 11-0 (as stated on the floor). House members approved the committee amendment by voice, and the House ordered third reading.

The committee and supporters said the goal is to synchronize Vermont law with federal exemptions and allow small producers flexibility to sell cuts such as thighs or legs directly to customers at farm stands or farmers markets while maintaining clear consumer notices about inspection status.

The bill now moves toward third reading on the House floor; proponents said the act would take effect on passage if approved.