Ericksen’s Prime Act Clears Senate

In an effort to help smaller livestock operators offer their products to a variety of local customers, the Washington senate has cleared legislation sponsored by Doug Ericksen.  Senate Bill 6382, also known as the Prime Act, will make it easier to sell custom slaughter, wrap, and package products across Washington as well as across state lines

“What this really is about is about small farmers being able to sell their products here in Washington state,” Ericksen said.

He added this bill allows small farms to sell locally raised meat by the cut in a retail setting, by removing cumbersome barriers.

“It gives me the opportunity to know the person, who is raising the beef that I then feed to my family.  It’s a great business opportunity, a real rural economic development tool.”

Senate Bill 6382 directs the Washington state Department of Agriculture to work with the federal government to develop a state inspection program and help farmers interested in participating.

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