SB 6483-S - DIGEST
(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

Creates a farm-to-school program within the department of agriculture to facilitate increased procurement of Washington grown foods by the common schools.

Creates the Washington grown fresh fruit and vegetable grant program in the office of the superintendent of public instruction to facilitate consumption of Washington grown nutritious snacks in order to improve student health and expand the market for locally grown fresh produce.

Requires development of food procurement procedures and materials that facilitate the purchase of Washington grown food by state agencies and institutions to the maximum extent practicable and consistent with international trade agreements.

Requires development of policies requiring all food contracts to include a plan to maximize to the extent practicable and consistent with international trade agreement commitments the availability of Washington grown food purchased through the contract.

Creates the Washington state farmers market technology improvement pilot program to lend technological hardware to farmers markets to assist farmers markets and Washington farmers develop the capability to accept electronic payment cards, including electronic benefits transfers.

Creates the farmers to food banks pilot program.

Provides, beginning with the 2009 fiscal year, the office of financial management shall work with the department of general administration, the department of agriculture, and the office of the superintendent of public instruction to develop measures for reporting on changes and trends in the purchasing of Washington grown food by state agencies, institutions of higher education, and schools, and provide a report biennially to the appropriate committees of the legislature.