MN HF2178

Defines "farmers' market" as an association of three or more persons assembling at a public location to sell directly to consumers products from farms or gardens they occupy and cultivate.

Defines "food product sampling" as distributing small portions (no more than three ounces) of food at farmers' markets or community events for promotional or educational purposes, with the main ingredient being a product the vendor sells.

Defines "food demonstration" as cooking or preparing food products to distribute at farmers' markets for promotional or educational purposes.

Permits food product sampling and demonstrations by persons exempt from licensing, licensed food establishments, or those providing nutrition education, provided food is given at no cost and meets special event food stand safety standards.

Allows farmers' market associations and local governments to establish more restrictive definitions of farmers' market for their own jurisdictions, and permits seasonal temporary food stands to operate beyond 21 days annually with regulatory authority approval.