HARTFORD, Conn. — State agricultural officials are considering whether to begin fining farmers and growers who repeatedly fail to comply with state regulations meant to ensure fruits and vegetables advertised as being grown in Connecticut are actually grown in the state.
Inspections conducted this season by the Department of Agriculture at farmers markets across the state found compliance with the 2-year-old Connecticut Grown program is still lacking. Of the 72 growers inspected, 45 were properly posting signs bearing the Connecticut Grown label and the name and address of the farm where the product was produced.
"This year was educational," said Dr. Bruce Sherman, director of the agency's Bureau of Regulatory Service. Sherman said warning letters were sent to some farmers not in compliance. For next year, he said it is likely repeat offenders will be fined $100 for each violation, although the enforcement procedure remains unclear.
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