The Utah Legislature passed H.B. 179, known as the Milk Amendments, during the 2026 legislative session, establishing new regulations for raw milk producers and delivery services.
New raw milk regulations established
Under the provisions of H.B. 179, sponsored by Representative Chevrier, producers of raw milk and raw milk products no longer need to own a specific percentage of a retail store. The law allows a third party or designated person to handle pickups, deliveries, and service for non-paying guests without requiring customers to provide personal information during purchases.
Three tiers for production and sales
The bill creates three distinct tiers for production and sales. Producers using mechanical mobile units or selling directly into retail stores will remain subject to testing, permitting, and inspections by the Department of Food and Agriculture. For farm gate sales, producers can sell unlimited amounts if they conduct their own required testing. A third tier allows producers to sell 500 gallons or less from the farm gate with only a requirement to notify the Department of Food and Agriculture of their intent to sell.
Legislative priority and current status
The Red Acre Center for Food and Agriculture identified H.B. 179 as a priority bill during the 2026 session, which concluded on March 6. According to the organization's bill tracker, the legislation passed and was awaiting a signature from the governor.
Additional agricultural amendments passed
The center also tracked H.B. 369, regarding Agriculture and Food Amendments, which passed and was likewise awaiting the governor's signature. The organization expressed support for this bill, which addressed provisions related to the Department of Agriculture and Food.
Advocacy history in Utah legislature
The Red Acre Center has a history of participating in Utah legislative proceedings to advocate for farmers and food producers. During a House Business and Labor Standing Committee meeting on February 6, 2023, Symbria Patterson of the Red Acre Center spoke in support of H.B. 331, the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Amendments.
