House Agriculture Committee Meeting Summary - January 29, 2025
HB 1048, sponsored by Representative Cameron Cooper, aims to expand the sale of raw milk to include farmers markets and delivery services. An amendment, requested by the Department of Health, clarified that these sales would be permitted from the farm where the milk is produced. The amendment passed.
Rep. Cooper presented the bill, explaining that while raw milk sales have been legal in Arkansas since 1995, they have been restricted in type and quantity. Currently, producers can sell up to 500 gallons per month, must display specific signage (farm's name, address, and a warning that the milk is unpasteurized and uninspected), and sales are limited to the farm itself. Cooper, whose daughters raise dairy goats and sell goat milk soap, argued that the on-farm sales requirement limits consumer access and creates a barrier for small producers. He stated that this bill would allow sales at farmers' markets and via delivery, framing it as a matter of "food freedom" and food security.
Public comment was largely supportive:
Ryan Norris (Americans for Prosperity): Supported the bill, arguing it supports small farm growth, new farmers, and economic freedom. He noted that only 1.3% of the US population are farmers, and 74% of Arkansas farmers are small family farms, emphasizing the need to diversify revenue streams. He also pointed out the aging farmer demographic (average age 60) and the need to attract new farmers.
Luke Wilson (Wilson Ranch and Dairy): Supported the bill, sharing his experience growing up on a dairy farm and the challenges faced by small dairies, particularly market access. He explained how corporate consolidation has disadvantaged small dairies and believes this bill would help by allowing them to reach metropolitan consumers. He also noted a growing market for raw milk among consumers younger than 40. He stated his raw cow milk sells for $10/gallon, noting typical prices of $15-$20 elsewhere.
Rep. Cozart: Asked about the average cost of a gallon of raw milk.
Luke Wilson: Responded with pricing information.
Steve Grappe (Stand Up Arkansas): Supported the bill, speaking as a farmer. He criticized the Arkansas Legislature's past treatment of family farms and mentioned frequent requests he receives for information on where to buy raw milk. He emphasized the financial challenges farmers face.
Dan Quadros (Professor of Animal Science, University of Arkansas, testifying as a private citizen): Highlighted the growing small ruminant market in Arkansas, especially sheep herding. He noted the 44% increase in sheep herding over the past 5 years (per the latest agricultural census) and the 11% increase in goat inventory (42% increase for dairy goats specifically) during the same period. He estimated approximately 10,000 dairy goats in Arkansas, mostly owned by small farmers, emphasizing that marketing their milk is a major constraint.
The bill ultimately passed.
Sponsored by Representative Tracy Steele, passed. It allows the Land Commissioner to appoint a designee to attend and vote at Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council meetings, aligning it with other members of the Council.
HB 1149, presented by Representative Kendra Moore on behalf of Sponsor DeAnn Vaught, prohibits local governments from banning personal vegetable gardens on private property, allowing citizens to grow their own food for personal consumption or non-commercial sharing. It does not disallow prohibitions on water use, fertilizer use, or invasive species regulations.
Rep. Cozart: Asked if this was something citizens couldn't already do.
Rep. Richmond: Inquired if cities were indeed prohibiting gardens on private property.
Rep. Moore: Affirmed that that was her understanding.
This bill addresses a trend of local restrictions on vegetable gardens, often justified by aesthetics or property values. Examples include cases in Miami Shores, Florida; Oak Park, Michigan; and Tulsa, Oklahoma, where residents faced legal challenges or had their gardens destroyed due to local ordinances. In response, some states like Florida and Illinois have passed legislation protecting the right to grow vegetable gardens. The bill passed.
Two bills sponsored by Senator Ricky Hill, SB 61 and SB 68, passed. SB 61 allows veterinarians to use telemedicine in emergencies, even without a pre-existing vet-patient relationship, provided a relationship is established within a set timeframe. The timeframe is 7 days for small animals and 21 days for large animals. SB 68 allows veterinarians to send veterinary technicians or specialists to farms in emergencies, under the veterinarian's supervision and liability.
