Support HB 1562: Expanding Opportunities for Indiana’s Small Farms and Home Food Businesses

Small farms and home-based food businesses in Indiana are up against regulations that favor large corporations while limiting consumer choice. House Bill 1562 (HB 1562) is an opportunity to level the playing field, allowing small businesses to sell homemade and farm-based food directly to consumers without unnecessary government interference. But for this bill to move forward, it must be heard in committee—and that’s where you come in.

What HB 1562 Does

Right now, Indiana’s small food producers face overregulation that prevents them from growing their businesses. This bill expands opportunities by:

• Allowing home-based food businesses and small farms to sell directly to consumers—not just at farmers’ markets, but also from their homes, online (within Indiana), Outbuildings and at farm stands.
• Reducing bureaucratic interference—local health departments can no longer impose excessive licensing and inspection rules on small-scale producers.
• Letting small farms sell more of what they produce—by giving them the same freedoms as home-based vendors, they can offer more products without being tangled in red tape.
• Providing clear labeling rules—so consumers know exactly what they’re buying, without forcing small businesses into the same regulatory frameworks as industrial food producers.
• Encouraging competition and choice—by making it easier for independent producers to sell, consumers will have more access to locally made, farm-fresh products.

Why This Matters

For decades, big agribusiness and corporate food processors have lobbied for regulations that limit competition from small producers. They claim it’s about “safety,” but in reality, it’s about control of the market. Instead of allowing direct-to-consumer sales, they push for more licensing, inspections, and fees—barriers that small businesses simply cannot afford. HB 1562 doesn’t eliminate food safety protections—it ensures reasonable safeguards while preventing government agencies from micromanaging small farms and food entrepreneurs out of existence.

What Needs to Happen

Before HB 1562 can move forward, it must receive a hearing in the Public Health Committee. That decision rests with

Senator Ed Charbonneau, who chairs the committee.

This bill won’t advance without public support. Legislators need to hear from you—the consumers, farmers, and small business owners who benefit from it.

How You Can Help

Call or email Senator Charbonneau’s office and ask for a hearing on HB 1562. Phone: 317-232-9400 Email: s5@iga.in.gov

Share this post and encourage others to take action.

A quick call or email makes a huge difference. Be polite but firm—tell them that you support HB 1562 because it empowers small businesses, increases consumer choice, and removes unfair barriers to competition. If we want a food system that works for Indiana’s small farms and food entrepreneurs, we have to speak up now.   Below, Please find some sample emails.. feel free to copy and paste & add your own personalization.

Form Letter 1: From a Small Farmer

Subject: Support HB 1562 – Allow Small Farms to Compete

Dear Senator Leising, I am writing to ask for your support in holding a hearing for House Bill 1562 (HB 1562) in the Senate Public Health Committee. This bill provides much-needed opportunities for small farms to sell directly to consumers without excessive regulatory barriers. Current laws restrict small farmers from selling their own products beyond limited locations, making it difficult to compete with larger industrial operations. HB 1562 allows direct sales from farms, homes, and online (within Indiana), while maintaining clear labeling requirements and basic food safety training. This bill is a step toward supporting local agriculture, increasing consumer choice, and ensuring fair competition in Indiana’s food system. Please schedule a hearing for HB 1562 and give small farmers the opportunity to succeed. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Farm or Organization Name (if applicable)]

Form Letter 2: From a Home-Based Food Vendor

Subject: Please Hold a Hearing for HB 1562 Dear Senator Leising, I urge you to support House Bill 1562 (HB 1562) by holding a hearing in the Senate Public Health Committee. This bill would remove outdated restrictions on home-based food businesses and small farms, allowing them to sell directly to consumers without unnecessary government interference. Under current regulations, home-based vendors are limited in where they can sell, restricting their ability to grow and serve their communities. HB 1562 allows for more sales options while keeping basic food safety protections in place. This bill is a common-sense solution that benefits small businesses, encourages local food production, and expands consumer choice. I encourage you to support a hearing for HB 1562 and ensure this bill gets the attention it deserves. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Business Name (if applicable)]

Form Letter 3: From a Consumer

Subject: Support HB 1562 for More Consumer Choice Dear Senator Leising, I am writing to express my support for House Bill 1562 (HB 1562) and to urge you to hold a hearing in the Senate Public Health Committee. This bill expands opportunities for small farms and home-based food vendors while increasing access to locally produced food for consumers. Current regulations limit the ability of small businesses to sell directly to consumers, reducing competition and choice in the market. HB 1562 addresses this by allowing more direct sales while maintaining transparency through labeling and basic food safety training. This bill represents a fair and balanced approach that supports local economies, strengthens small businesses, and gives consumers better access to locally sourced food. Please schedule a hearing for HB 1562 and help bring more food freedom to Indiana. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your City, Indiana]