HB 2776 - DIGEST

     Declares it is the purpose of this act to: (1) Substantially increase the procurement of Washington grown or raised agricultural products by all local and state governmental agencies and public schools, and encourage a comparable commitment by Washington state citizens and businesses in their purchasing practices;

     (2) Target government procurement policies and goals toward those Washington grown or raised agricultural products for which there are significant market development needs or that may substantially contribute to increasing the economic viability of the state's agricultural industry;

     (3) Provide the authority for all governmental agencies to adopt preferential purchasing policies for Washington grown or raised agricultural products;

     (4) Direct state agencies to develop strategies to increase purchases of Washington grown or raised agricultural products, and provide specific goals for procurement of these products; and

     (5) Provide guidance and direction for local governments and other public agencies to develop plans for increasing the procurement of Washington grown or raised agricultural products.