AN ACT Relating to fostering economic growth in Washington by supporting the in-state production, processing, and distribution of food supply; creating new sections; making appropriations; and providing expiration dates.

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

(2) It is the intent of the legislature to engage in a collaborative process with local farmers, food processors, and food distributors to evaluate changes in state and local policies and the funding that is needed to foster resilience and growth in the local food sector. The legislature intends to develop and implement an economic development strategy to promote a more dependable, healthy local food supply and expand economic opportunities for Washington food producers, processors, and distributors. The legislature intends the economic benefits of these efforts to support and be a part of a greater food supply network linking small local farms, schools, farmers markets, food banks, shelters, and many other areas touched by issues surrounding fresh food access.

(2)(a) The study shall identify a ten-year goal for expansion of the state's food production, processing, and distribution capacity by:

(i) Evaluating the state's capacity to produce a variety of food products given the state's environment and climate;

(ii) Assessing a potential market demand for an increased local food supply, through surveys of processors, distributors, and buyers;

(iii) Identifying infrastructure needs to support the local food industry, including processing capacity and transportation networks;

(iv) Assessing the institutional capacity of state agencies and organizations to foster economic growth in the food sector;

(v) Evaluating changes in state planning, permitting, environmental regulation, and financing to enhance food production, processing, and distribution; and

(vi) Identifying legislative actions needed to implement food system improvements.

(b) The recommendations of the study must include short and long-term action plans for the legislature to support and sustain the local food sector in Washington. The recommendations of the study may include specific legislative approaches, such as changes in state law, and nonlegislative approaches, such as action plans for state agencies and local governments.

(3) Washington State University must form an advisory committee to provide technical information, advice, and assistance in completing the study. The advisory committee must include representatives of farm organizations, food processors, food distributors, restaurateurs, food service directors, and local food advocacy organizations.

(4) Washington State University must submit to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature a final study report with findings and recommendations by November 30, 2016, and in compliance with RCW 43.01.036.

(5) This section expires December 31, 2016.

(2)(a) The study shall identify a ten-year goal for expansion of the state's food production, processing, and distribution capacity by:

(i) Evaluating the geographic distances between local farm production and points of local food consumption within the local food supply chain in order to define what constitutes a local economic impact;

(ii) Evaluating the state's capacity to produce a variety of food products given the state's environment and climate;

(iii) Assessing a potential market demand for an increased local food supply, through surveys of processors, distributors, and buyers;

(iv) Analyzing the Seattle restaurant success online resource as a model and potential navigational tool for local food producers as a potential replacement of the Washington state department of agriculture handbook for small and direct marketing farms, to reduce regulatory barriers within the local food supply chain;

(v) Identifying infrastructure needs to support the local food industry, including processing capacity and transportation networks;

(vi) Assessing the relative economic impact of retaining local food supply chain business within the state and local food producers exporting goods out of state;

(vii) Assessing the institutional capacity of state agencies and organizations to foster economic growth in the food sector;

(viii) Evaluating changes in state planning, permitting, environmental regulation, and financing to enhance food production, processing, and distribution;

(ix) Evaluating the economic impact of urban community gardens, including P-patches that are part of the local food supply chain and provide healthy foods for schools and local communities; and

(x) Identifying legislative actions needed to implement food system improvements.

(b) The recommendations of the study must include short and long-term action plans for the legislature to support and sustain the local food sector in Washington. The recommendations of the study must also include strategies for effective education and awareness programs with school and community groups about the local food supply chain. The recommendations of the study may include specific legislative approaches, such as changes in state law, and nonlegislative approaches, such as action plans for state agencies and local governments.

(3) Washington State University must form an advisory committee to provide technical information, advice, and assistance in completing the study. The advisory committee must include representatives of farm organizations, food processors, food distributors, restaurateurs, food service directors, and local food advocacy organizations.

(4) Washington State University must submit to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature a final study report with findings and recommendations by November 30, 2015, and in compliance with RCW 43.01.036.

(5) This section expires December 31, 2016.

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