Local Food Production - WA 2008 Session Law

CERTIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT
SECOND SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 6483
Chapter 215, Laws of 2008
60th Legislature
2008 Regular Session
LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1 FINDINGS AND INTENT. (1) The legislature recognizes that the benefits of local food production include stewardship of working agricultural lands; direct and indirect jobs in agricultural production, food processing, tourism, and support industries; energy conservation and greenhouse gas reductions; and increased food security through access to locally grown foods.
(2) The legislature finds there is a direct correlation between adequate nutrition and a child's development and school performance. Children who are hungry or malnourished are at risk of lower achievement in school.
(3) The legislature further finds that adequate nutrition is also necessary for the physical health of adults, and that some communities have limited access to healthy fruits and vegetables and quality meat and dairy products, a lack of which may lead to high rates of diet-related diseases.
(4) The legislature believes that expanding market opportunities for Washington farmers will preserve and strengthen local food production and increase the already significant contribution that agriculture makes to the state and local economies.
(5) The legislature finds that the state's existing procurement requirements and practices may inhibit the purchase of locally produced food.
(6) The legislature intends that the local farms-healthy kids act strengthen the connections between the state's agricultural industry and the state's food procurement procedures in order to expand local agricultural markets, improve the nutrition of children and other at-risk consumers, and have a positive impact on the environment.