I am a small farmer in Kentucky, burdened by heavy regulations and permit fees that are crippling my business. Every year, I pay out hundreds of dollars for permits that only serve to hinder the growth and sustainability of my farm. Kentucky state regulations on small farms are harsher than federal guidelines. 

These restrictions not only affect me but all small farmers across our state. They give an unfair advantage to large corporations and industrial farms, which often operate under less than desirable conditions. In contrast, we small farmers strive for sustainable and ethical farming practices that benefit the animal, the producer, and the consumer. There is a high demand for local, natural foods and handmade goods. This is not just a meat-specific issue; some byproducts of small farms fall into cosmetic bylaws, which require commercial kitchens and very specific permits and approvals. This includes handmade products like beeswax lip balm, goats milk products, tallow creams and balms, herbal salves, and so much more. As proud Kentucky citizens, we all appreciate quality, local, handmade goods and these state laws are taking that ability away from us. We should have the right to choose where our money goes, and stopping these vital small farm businesses pulls money out of Kentucky and sends it straight into hands of large corporations that do not have our best interests in mind.

In Kentucky alone, there are over 75,000 farms with an average size of 169 acres (USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service). A staggering 63% of these are small-scale operations like mine, producing less than $10,000 annually, yet we contribute significantly to our local economy and food security.

We call on the State Government to reduce these stifling regulations on us - the small farmers. Allow us to sell meat processed on our farms without additional regulation as long as we produce under 1000 animals annually (this number coincicides with the current federal guidelines); let us produce natural cosmetic items without needing expensive permits and approvals.

By doing so, you will be supporting local businesses like ours that form the backbone of Kentucky's agricultural sector while promoting ethical farming practices over industrial ones.

Please sign this petition if you believe in supporting your local farmers and want fairer laws for those who work tirelessly every day feeding their communities sustainably and ethically.