Encouraging State Agencies And Businesses Within The State To Purchase Delaware-grown Foods From State Agriculture And Aquaculture Operations.
SCR90 is intended to create a framework for cultivating a locally sourced food economy within Delaware. It mandates the Delaware Department of Agriculture to collaborate with various stakeholders, including the Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy and educational institutions, to assess current purchasing practices and develop strategies for increasing local procurement by June 30, 2024. The resulting report should not only summarize existing efforts but also propose targets for local food procurement, thereby having a significant impact on the state's agricultural policies and economic landscape.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 90 (SCR90) aims to encourage state agencies and businesses in Delaware to prioritize the purchase of locally grown foods from the state’s agriculture and aquaculture sectors. The resolution outlines the benefits of such a move, which include boosting local economies, enhancing food freshness, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions related to food transport. It promotes the idea that by sourcing food locally, businesses can contribute to environmental sustainability while also supporting local farmers and producers.
The sentiment surrounding SCR90 appears largely positive, with support from various stakeholders who view it as a step towards enhancing local food security and sustainability. The resolution is backed by data indicating strong consumer support for local produce, with polls suggesting that a significant percentage of Delaware residents prefer locally grown food. This strong public opinion bolsters the resolution's assertion that increasing local food purchases can have beneficial effects for both the community and the environment.
While SCR90 is widely seen as a positive initiative, there may be contentions around its practical implementation, such as challenges that businesses might face in sourcing local products consistently or any potential costs associated with revising procurement practices. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding how this resolution interacts with existing procurement policies and whether it imposes undue burdens on state agencies and institutions already operating under tight budgets. These challenges will need to be assessed and addressed as part of the ongoing discussions surrounding the resolution.