HF537

This legislative bill permits registered small farm producers in Minnesota to sell fluid raw milk and its products directly to consumers under specific conditions. Small farm producers, defined by owning less than 12 animal units (one cow or five goats/sheep each), can sell products like milk, cream, cheese, and yogurt without typical state licensing if they label them properly to indicate they're unregulated by state inspections. These products can be sold from their homes, at farmers' markets, or community events, provided local laws allow it.

Producers must register annually with the state, with two levels of registration based on sales amounts—one without fees for sales up to $5,000 and another with a $50 fee for sales up to $78,000 annually. Registration requires proof of attending a food safety class and health testing for the animals. The bill exempts these registered producers from the pasteurization laws typically required for milk products, aiming to support small farms and give consumers more choices, while ensuring certain safety and health standards are maintained.