Local farm stands and crop swaps are set to stay – the state government says there’ll be no impact to backyard producers, from the draft Primary Produce Safety (Horticulture Produce) Regulations bill.
The second round of community consultation is coming to an end – with feedback from the community coming through that it will have impacts on backyard growers, community food groups, market gardeners and regional communities.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff says his government has listened.
“I want to be clear we are not going to make it harder for people to grow, share, donate or sell small amounts of fresh local produce in their communities,” he said.
“As all good consultation does, the draft proposal has prompted legitimate concerns from backyard growers, community food groups, market gardeners and regional communities.
“I am directing that any final regulations must protect community food growing, food relief activities, local markets and small-scale producers from unnecessary fees, excessive paperwork and disproportionate compliance requirements.
“Food safety remains important, but common sense must prevail.”
The state government says the final regulations will clearly distinguish between large commercial operations and community-scale activity.
