The proposed rule amendments will allow for the sale of native white-tailed deer venison from game farms. The effect of the proposed amendments will be the provision of an avenue for the legal sale of native white-tailed ....

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Freshwater Fish and Wildlife

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

68A-12.011Regulations Governing the Establishment and Operation of Game Farms

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The proposed rule amendments will allow for the sale of native white-tailed deer venison from game farms. The effect of the proposed amendments will be the provision of an avenue for the legal sale of native white-tailed deer venison from game farms.

SUMMARY: The proposed rule will allow for the sale of native white-tailed deer venison from game farms.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: The nature of the rule and the preliminary analysis conducted to determine whether a SERC was required.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

LAW IMPLEMENTED: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAR.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Major Grant Burton, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

68A-12.011              Regulations Governing the Establishment and Operation of Game Farms

(1) through (11) No change.

(12) All game, except captive white-tailed deer, possessed or sold for food or consumptive purposes shall be killed on the premises of the game farm or transported to a properly licensed processing facility for immediate processing. In instances where live game is transported to a licensed processing facility for immediate processing, a copy of the current and valid game farm license of the farm where such game was produced shall accompany the live game in transport. In instances where live game is sold or transferred, the transporter of such game shall be licensed or otherwise authorized by the Commission to possess such game. Harvested game possessed, sold or transferred for food or consumptive purposes shall comply with the following provisions:

(a) The sale of deer meat (venison) from species of deer native to the state is prohibited.

(b) through (f) redesignated (a) through (e). No change.

(13) All captive white-tailed deer, possessed, sold or transferred for food or consumptive purposes, shall:

1. Be transported live to a licensed processing facility for immediate euthanasia and processing for consumption. 

a. A copy of the current and valid game farm license of the farm where such game was produced shall accompany the live game in transport.

b. The transporter of such game shall be licensed or otherwise authorized by the Commission to possess such game.

c. Notify the Commission at least 48 hours prior to transfer of live deer to a processing facility.

d. Game farms shall also comply with all statutes or regulations relating to food safety, quality control, inspections, transportation, sale and regulation of foodstuffs and meat products.

2. Captive white-tailed deer meat (venison) shall only be sold when packaged in a tamper-proof container clearly marked with a label stating, “WHITE-TAILED DEER VENISON, PRODUCED ON A FLORIDA LICENSED GAME FARM”. Additionally, each container shall be clearly marked to indicate the name, date, complete address, and license identification number of the game farm producing such venison and the identification number and name of the licensed processing facility.

3.  Not have been chemically immobilized or otherwise provided with any drugs within 30 days of transfer.

(13) through (14) renumbered (14) through (15). No change.

(16)(15) Native game shall only be killed pursuant to the regulations for that species or in accordance with subsection (14) (15), above. Only the game farm licensee or the licensee’s employees may kill game on the game farm premises.

(16) through (18) renumbered (17) through (19). No change.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 379.302, 379.3711 FS. History–New 8-27-09, Amended 11-22-18, 12-03-20,           .

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Colonel Curtis Brown

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: December 16, 2020

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: November 25, 2020