Louisiana House Bill HB840

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10
• Report Pass: 4/22/10
• Engrossed: 5/5/10
• Refer: 5/10/10
• Report Pass: 5/25/10
• Enrolled: 6/9/10
• Chaptered: 6/21/10
• Passed: 6/21/10

Caption

Establishes the La. Sustainable Local Food Policy Council (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

Impact

The bill is expected to have a significant impact on state laws concerning agricultural practices and food policy. It introduces a structured approach to developing sustainable food policies, addressing both economic and health implications for the community. By focusing on local food production and distribution, it seeks to strengthen local economies and ensure that residents have access to fresh and nutritious food. The council is empowered to identify barriers to developing a sustainable food economy and propose legislative or administrative changes necessary for facilitating such initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 840 establishes the Louisiana Sustainable Local Food Policy Council aimed at fostering a local food economy in Louisiana. This council, created within the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, is tasked with promoting job creation, improving statewide economic development, and enhancing food security. The council will assess the food served to public school students and explore the integration of sustainable local food into public assistance programs, including food stamps at local farmers markets. It also aims to encourage urban gardening and backyard gardens to enhance health and lower food costs.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 840 appears to be largely positive, with supporters highlighting the importance of creating a sustainable local food system that benefits various stakeholders, including farmers, producers, and consumers. Advocates believe that the initiative will not only help local economies thrive but also respond to public health needs. However, there may be concerns raised regarding the practicality of implementing these policies and whether sufficient funding and resources will be allocated to achieve the council's objectives.

Contention

While the bill generally received supportive feedback, points of contention may arise concerning the allocation of resources and the effectiveness of integrating sustainable local food policies into existing frameworks. Critics may question whether the council will have adequate power and funding to address the diverse challenges in promoting a local food economy, including regulatory hurdles and market access for small producers. Additionally, stakeholders might have differing opinions on what constitutes 'sustainable' practices, potentially leading to debates within the council regarding its direction and priorities.