New Hampshire's House Bill 779 -FN is stirring the pot in the local agricultural community by proposing a significant shift in how small farms can sell rabbit meat. Introduced on January 23, 2024, the bill allows farms raising 1,000 or fewer rabbits annually to sell whole rabbit carcasses directly to consumers, farm stands, farmers' markets, and licensed restaurants, bypassing certain federal inspection requirements.

The bill mandates that any rabbit meat sold without inspection must be clearly labeled with producer information, a disclaimer regarding the inspection exemption, and safe handling instructions. Restaurants purchasing this uninspected meat would also need to keep purchase records and disclose the exemption status on their menus. This move aims to streamline sales for small producers, but it raises eyebrows due to its potential conflict with existing federal regulations.

The New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food has flagged concerns that the bill may alter federal exemptions related to uninspected rabbit meat sales. Currently, federal law allows producers processing fewer than 1,000 rabbits annually to sell without inspection, provided they meet specific criteria. House Bill 779 appears to modify these criteria, which could lead to legal complications.

While the fiscal impact of the bill is estimated to be less than $10,000 annually, the implications for state revenue could be more significant. The bill may reduce the number of farms seeking food licensure, potentially leading to decreased annual license fees that contribute to the General Fund. However, the exact financial repercussions remain indeterminable.

As the bill progresses, it has sparked debates among lawmakers and agricultural advocates about food safety, consumer rights, and the economic viability of small farms. With the potential to reshape local food sales, House Bill 779 is poised to be a focal point in New Hampshire's legislative session, raising questions about the balance between supporting small producers and ensuring public health standards.