Panel advances bill to bar labeling out‑of‑state produce as Colorado‑grown

Representative Colin Soper introduced House Bill 10‑31, saying the measure is aimed at preventing deceptive marketing of out‑of‑state produce as Colorado‑grown and protects Colorado’s specialty agricultural brands. "Usually about April you'll start seeing what may look like peaches... That's definitely, an easy scenario to be able to point out that it's impossible for that to be a Colorado grown peach," Soper told the committee, describing the pattern of out‑of‑season products being labeled as Colorado origin.

Co‑sponsor Representative Martinez said the bill preserves consumer trust in the Colorado Proud designation and levels the playing field for producers. The sponsors explained enforcement is complaint‑driven: consumers or others would report suspected mislabeling to the attorney general or a district attorney, who could first seek a cease‑and‑desist order and later pursue court remedies; the bill does not create a private right of action.

Witnesses representing farmers, local chambers and regional governments testified in support. Madeline Robertson of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union and Jessica Burford, President and CEO of the Palisade Chamber of Commerce, said mislabeling harms producers and regional brands like Palisade peaches. Diana Orf of Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado testified that Colorado’s specialty products are regionally important and deserve protection.

A beekeeper, Chris Bork, asked the committee to consider amending the bill to include honey and beeswax in the definition of protected agricultural products, citing concerns about brokers marketing non‑Colorado honey as local; he referenced a 2023 EU audit that found suspected adulteration in a large share of sampled honey and urged consideration of honey and beeswax but sponsors said the inclusion would require more analysis because of processing distinctions.

Committee members asked technical questions: Representative Zukla asked about single farms that straddle state lines; sponsors advised labeling could reflect mixed origin (e.g., "Product of Colorado and Utah" or "Rocky Mountain region"). Representative Johnson asked whether bagged or processed products are covered; sponsors clarified the bill targets fresh perishable produce (plants, fruits, vegetables, fungi in raw/unprocessed form) and not processed goods such as bagged sugar products.

Representative Martinez moved HB10‑31 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation; the motion was seconded and the committee recorded a favorable vote (13–0). The bill will proceed to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration.