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Farm markets, farm product auctions and farmer’s markets may now be able to apply to ODA for exemption from a Retail Food Establishment License.

Substitute Senate Bill 136 will fix numerous negative impacts of previously passed legislation (HB 223) for farmers; beekeepers; maple syrup and sorghum processors; direct agricultural marketers and those involved in cottage food production activities.

Ohio fruit and vegetable growers are working with ODA to develop rules that will become part of the Ohio Administrative Code.

The exemptions are based upon the foods being offered for sale.

"These farm markets, farmers' markets and farm product auctions are exempt only if registered with ODA. The registered exempt facilities will be inspected by ODA. Farm markets, farmers' markets and farm product auctions that do not meet the requirements for exemption are to be licensed as Retail Food Establishments by the local health department," said John Wargowsky, Ohio Farm Bureau director of labor services.

These registration forms are available at www.ohiofruit.org or www.ohiovegetables.org by clicking on "Grower News" then "Legislative and Regulatory Issues." The organizer or person in charge of a farmers' market or Farm Product Auction is responsible to register with ODA. It is not necessary for each participant to register. The owner of a farm market is responsible to register with ODA.

Additional information regarding the new Mobile Retail Food Establishment License, Cottage Food Operations and exemption information for small producers of maple syrup, sorghum and honey may also be found at www.ohiofruit.org or www.ohiovegetables.org by clicking on "Grower News" then "Legislative Regulatory Issues."