BILL REQ. #:  S-6147.1 

     AN ACT Relating to convening a conference on enhancing marketing opportunities for local agricultural products; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) Washington State University, in cooperation with the department of agriculture and the department of community, trade, and economic development, shall host a working conference to explore the opportunities and impediments to increasing local markets for locally produced food products and local agricultural producers. The objective of the conference shall be to develop a strategic plan and specific implementing actions that will assist local producers to meet the preferences of local consumers of food products.
     (2) The following, at a minimum, shall be included as topics of the conference:
     (a) Issues of concern to local livestock producers and local consumers in making locally produced meat products more available to local consumers, including a discussion of concepts such as a state meat inspection program and a mobile livestock slaughtering unit as a means to expand marketing opportunities for local producers and consumers;
     (b) Issues of concern to local fruit and vegetable growers and local consumers in making locally grown fruit and vegetables more available to local consumers;
     (c) Ways to enhance farm-to-market connections that aid in enhancing the viability of local agricultural producers and reducing the distance that agricultural products are transported;
     (d) An examination of alternative ways to define and reward sustainable production of agricultural products;
     (e) A consideration of emerging interests of growing urban populations in nearby agritourism and agricultural-related experiences for students and adults, and an evaluation of how Washington state can capitalize on this emerging trend; and
     (f) A means of informing farmers about opportunities and procedures for supplying state agencies and local school districts to supply Washington grown farm products as a result of the local farms - healthy kids act, chapter . . . (Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 6483), Laws of 2008.
     (3) The conference shall be scheduled at a time that will allow sufficient time to prepare a summary of the conference proceedings. The conference proceedings shall include a summary of the topics that are discussed, and findings and recommendations of the conference participants. The report shall be submitted to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2010.