Committee advances bill to broaden "farm product" definition and limit local ordinances on processing

SB 374, a bill to refine the statutory definition of "farm product" and restrict local regulation of processing and storage for bona fide farm operations, was reported favorably by the Senate Committee on Agriculture.

Senator Trudeau, chair and sponsor for the bill in committee, said SB 374 "refines the term farm product to include plant and plant products" and would "prohibit local government from creating ordinances to limit the collection, storage and processing of farm products" when the activity is part of a bona fide farm operation on land classified for agriculture.

Senator Trunow moved to offer an amendment but withdrew it, saying the "conversation is ongoing" and the withdrawal would allow continued discussion about food waste policy in the future. Public commenters spoke in support: Levin Gaston of Gaston Tree Service, who identified himself as a board member of Florida Recycle Today and the Florida Compost Council, said "all of us are in favor of this bill." Other supportive commenters listed themselves as representing Florida Composting, the Florida Poultry Federation and related industry or nonprofit groups.

After the sponsor closed, the clerk called the roll. Senators Bernard, Boyd, Burton, Hassan, Trudeau and Chair Graw voted yes and the committee recorded that "SB 374 is reported favorably." The transcript does not record any amendments being adopted.

Ending: The measure advances from committee; the transcript records public support from composting and recycling stakeholders and notes the sponsor intends to continue discussions about food-waste issues as the bill moves forward.