Governor OKs 2 new farmers market laws

Gov. Pat Quinn has signed two new laws that aim to increase access to farmers markets in Illinois.

Quinn signed the measures Tuesday during Agriculture Day at the Illinois State Fair. One law allows certain homemade foods to be sold at farmers markets. The other new law creates a task force to make recommended farmers market regulations.

Quinn says the new laws will let producers “sell directly to consumers while making sure safety standards are consistent.”

The governor also signed a third piece of legislation that requires the state to make a plan to increase Illinois agriculture-related tourism.