HB 348 would direct the Kentucky Secretary of Agriculture to adopt regulations creating an exception for on-farm slaughtering and processing of poultry when the products are sold directly to the end consumer. The bill applies to sales made on the farm, at farmers markets, or at roadside stands, and ties the permitted activity to federal poultry inspection and labeling standards referenced in 9 C.F.R. sec. 381.10.
The bill also specifies handling requirements for these direct-to-consumer sales. Poultry sold on a farm would have to be refrigerated at the point of sale, while poultry sold at farmers markets or roadside stands would have to be frozen at the point of sale, with labeling required to comply with federal standards. In addition, local governmental agencies would be barred from imposing any extra certification or inspection requirements on farmers who comply with the new state regulations.
Impact
HB 348 would add a new section to KRS 217.005 to 217.215 and shift regulatory authority to the Secretary of Agriculture to define and regulate certain small-scale poultry sales. It would effectively create a state-level exemption from additional local inspection or certification for qualifying on-farm poultry processing and direct sales, while still preserving baseline labeling and temperature-control requirements tied to federal poultry rules.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript, recorded vote, or other discussion, so there is no direct evidence of support or opposition in the materials provided. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears designed to facilitate small farm and direct-market poultry sales while maintaining food-safety conditions, suggesting a practical, agriculture-friendly policy approach.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the balance between expanding direct-to-consumer poultry sales and preserving food safety oversight. Supporters would likely favor reduced regulatory burden for farmers and clearer rules for farm, farmers market, and roadside stand sales, while critics may be concerned about limiting local inspection authority and relying on administrative regulations rather than more detailed statutory standards. The bill also leaves important implementation details to the Secretary of Agriculture, which could be another area of debate.