1. CFA 2013Legislative Issues – DRAFT
Revised 11/20/12
FARM POLICY
1.) Issue: Regulation of commercial aquaculture
Goal; To move regulation of commercial aquaculture production to the Kentucky
Department of Agriculture from The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. (The
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is an agency of the Kentucky
Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet).
Next Steps:
Research model legislation - Renee
Find sponsor
2.) Issue: Sustainability of the Kentucky Ag Development Fund; and effective,
efficient and accountable resource allocation.
Goal: Merger of the Governor’s Office of Ag Policy and the Kentucky Department of
Agriculture
Two options:
KDA would become a Cabinet position and eliminate the election of the
Commissioner (would require a constitutional amendment)
GOAP is primarily the administrative office for the KADF. The Governor would
have to cede control of KADF administration to the Commissioner.
Next Steps:
Research the political implications of the merger
Develop a legislative and political strategy
3.) Issue: Regulation of raw milk in Kentucky
Goal: Permitting of consumer-farmer purchasing contracts (herdshares).
Next Steps:
Review SB47 in 2012 legislative session for strategy analysis
Develop appropriate bill language and strategy
Find sponsor

2. CFA 2013Legislative Issues – DRAFT
Revised 11/20/12
FOOD SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
4.) Issue: Supporting value-added food entrepreneurs
Goal: Revision and expansion of HB 391 to include non-farm entrepreneurs and to
define oversight and enforcement.
a. Study the Michigan “Cottage law” as a possible model. The law allows sales up to
$15,000 without requiring a commercial kitchen.
Next Steps:
Research model legislation - Cassia
Look over the current KY law to see what the definition of “producer “ is because
this may already be possible.
b. Enforcement of HB 391
i. Ingredient composition
ii. Who has enforcement responsibility
Next Steps:
Research original bill, regulation and requirements
5.) Issue: Use of Federal food and nutrition programs to support local food systems
a. LRC tasked to study food and nutrition programs: efficiency, coordination, and
support for local agriculture.
Next Steps:
Contact LRC staff, KDA, Cabinet, etc. to gauge support
Set up meetings with Rep. Tom Riner and Sen. David Givens as potential sponsors
6.) Issue: Local and regional market development
a. Integrity of Ky Proud
Goal: To ensure that “Kentucky Proud” and related resources are supporting
Kentucky farmers
Next Steps:
Research the Kentucky Proud Program development
Raise issue before the Legislator.
b. Public Institutional purchase of Kentucky grown products
Goal: State parks purchase of Kentucky grown products
Next Steps:
Research HB 669 (2006), SB 484 (2008) and SB 84 (2009) for implementation and
compliance to determine next steps.

3. CFA 2013Legislative Issues – DRAFT
Revised 11/20/12
ALI – BEGINNING FARMERS
1.) Issue: Farmer resource development
Goal: Recognition of agriculture and local food system development as economic
development and therefore eligible for Coal Severance Funds
Next Steps:
Work with LRC staff and key Legislators to determine appropriate action (i.e. Bill
or Resolution)
2.) Issue: Supporting farmer ethic diversity
Next Steps:
Follow up with Reggie Meeks on Urban Ag Taskforce and Minority Farmers,
include KSU representatives
3.) Issue: Development of risk management programs for local production, especially
for beginning farmers.
Goal: Availability of current USDA risk management pilot programs in Kentucky
Next Steps:
Review risk management pilot programs from USDA
Advocate for legislators to ask USDA for alternative pilot programs in Kentucky
Set up meeting with Sen. McGaha to develop resolution