Supporting Cottage Food Producers and Expanding Market Freedom
Posted by Anastasia Wilford · March 31, 2025
The Libertarian Party of Texas (LPTexas) supports House Bill 2588, the "Food Freedom Act," which removes unnecessary regulatory burdens on cottage food producers and affirms the right of Texans to produce, sell, and purchase homemade food without intrusive government interference.
Advancing Economic Liberty Through Deregulation
HB 2588 expands the definition of cottage food production to include nonprofit organizations, raises the revenue cap, and legalizes limited wholesale sales through registered vendors—all without requiring burdensome licenses or permits. These changes reflect LPTexas’s commitment to free markets and the natural right to earn a living free from state interference.
Defending Individual Rights and Voluntary Exchange
The bill prohibits local governments from punishing officials who try to impose unauthorized regulations on cottage food operations, strengthening the rule of law and individual autonomy. It also enables safe, voluntary transactions between producers and consumers, respecting the freedom of choice in both production and consumption.
Promoting Public Health Without Government Overreach
HB 2588 maintains clear labeling and safe handling standards for foods that require time or temperature control, providing consumers with transparent information without imposing costly inspections or licensure schemes. LPTexas believes health and safety can be effectively promoted through education, transparency, and personal responsibility—not bureaucracy.
Conclusion
The Libertarian Party of Texas urges the Legislature to pass HB 2588 to protect the rights of cottage food producers, encourage entrepreneurial freedom, and roll back unjustified government control over voluntary economic activity. This bill is a clear step toward restoring liberty in the Texas food economy.