Rep. Foncello Testifies In Support of Bill Advocated For by Local Farmer

Hartford, Conn. – During the March 8, 2024, meeting of the Environment Committee, Rep. Martin Foncello (R-107) testified in support of SB 197 An Act Concerning the Availability of Certain Butcher Operations Within the State.

A similar concept to SB 197 was introduced last year and was passed by the committee but died on the Senate Calendar.

“I was approached by many local farmers asking for this bill to be introduced again this year. Our local farmers are hardworking men and women who provide fresh quality food to our citizens and do all that they can to help with the food insecurity that many in our communities face. That is why I think we should do all that we can to help them,” said Foncello.

During a pre-session legislative town hall forum in Newtown, local farmers told Foncello and other members of the delegation that there is not enough of USDA processing facilities and inspectors.

“The reality is that our farmers must make an appointment a year in advance, often before the animals have been born. Farmers spend the entire year growing cattle, pigs, or sheep and then can’t get them processed for resale simply because of a shortage of USDA processing facilities. As a result, this means farmers have no control over their own businesses to meet their needs and their available resources. They are unable to respond to an increase in consumer demand which limits their business growth,” said Foncello.

Foncello noted to the committee that local farms are unable to supply enough local meat to those who need it, as this was the case during the meat shortage during the pandemic.

During the meeting, Foncello also provided testimony in support of SB 198 An Act Establishing Local Representation on the Connecticut Siting Council for Local Project. This was advocated for by Brookfield residents.