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Producers and Wyoming Food Coalition urge clearer Food Freedom rules; operators cite local economic gains
Summary
Stakeholders including the Wyoming Food Coalition, college incubators and local store operators told the committee clarifying the Food Freedom Act would expand markets and protect small producers; one store operator reported $300,000 in annual sales, 85% returned to producers.
Multiple stakeholders told the committee clarity and consistent interpretation of the Food Freedom Act matters for small producers, processors and retailers across Wyoming. Representatives from the Wyoming Food Coalition (including its executive director and communications director) described their role helping producers interpret regulation, connect to resources and pursue local markets.
A series of public commenters gave concrete examples. Steve Doyle, who opened a year‑round local‑food store in Riverton, said his store represents about 120 producers, supported 70 employees and recorded roughly $300,000 in sales last year; he said about 85% of revenue flows back to producers. College, industry, and farm‑bureau witnesses urged moving a practical fix now (department exemptions) while undertaking a broader statutory clean‑up in the interim. Retired health inspector Leah Smith told the panel that ambiguous statutory language leads to inconsistent enforcement and recommended outreach and clearer drafting so local inspectors and producers can implement the law predictably.
