Darlene Cartier

As you should already know, currently in NH, if a farm uses a custom processor that is not USDA inspected, they can only sell a whole or half cow, pig, or lamb directly to the consumer. These large portions can cost upwards of $1,000 and are not feasible for many individual consumers. New Hampshire has a severe shortage of USDA certified processors, which is the only way individual cuts can be sold. HB396 allows farms to sell meat by the cut to restaurants, grocery stores, and members of the public without a USDA inspection when it is raised and processed in NH. It will remove the huge upfront cost to consumers, who would not need to purchase whole or half animals and allow more consumers access quality, locally raised food. I support this bill.