1508-S AMH STEE MOET 882

SHB 1508 - H AMD 205

By Representative Steele

ADOPTED 03/02/2017

    On page 10, beginning on line 24, strike all of subsections (1) and (2) and insert the following:

    "(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the office of the superintendent of public instruction may coordinate with the department of agriculture to promote and facilitate new and existing regional markets programs, including farm-to-school initiatives established in accordance with RCW 15.64.060, and small farm direct marketing assistance in accordance with RCW 15.64.050. In coordinating with the department of agriculture, the office of the superintendent of public instruction is encouraged to provide technical assistance, including outreach and best practices strategies, to school districts with farm-to-school initiatives.

    (2) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the regional markets programs of the department of agriculture must be a centralized connection point for schools and other institutions for accessing and sharing information, tools, ideas, and best practices for purchasing Washington-grown food.

    (a) In accordance with this subsection (2), program staff from the department of agriculture may provide:

    (i) Scale-appropriate information and resources to farms to help them respond to the growing demand for local and direct marketed products; and 

    (ii) Targeted technical assistance to farmers, food businesses, and buyers, including schools, about business planning, access to markets, product development, distribution infrastructure, and sourcing, procuring, and promoting Washington-grown foods.

    (b) In accordance with this subsection (2), program staff from the department of agriculture may provide technical assistance to:

    (i) Support new and existing farm businesses;

    (ii) Maintain the economic viability of farms;

    (iii) Support compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements; and

    (iv) Support access and preparation efforts for competing in markets that are a good fit for their scale and products, including schools and public institutions, and direct-to-consumer markets that include, but are not limited to, farmers' markets, local retailers, restaurants, value-added product developments, and agritourism opportunities.

    (3) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the regional markets programs of the department of agriculture may support school districts in establishing or expanding farm-to-school initiatives by providing information and guidance to overcome barriers to purchasing Washington-grown food. In accordance with this subsection (3), regional markets program activities may include, but are not limited to:

    (a) Connecting schools and other institutions with farmers and distribution chains;

    (b) Overcoming seasonality constraints;

    (c) Providing budgeting assistance;

    (d) Navigating procurement requirements; and

    (e) Developing educational materials that can be used in cafeterias, classrooms, and in other educational environments.

    (4) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, school districts and other institutions may coordinate with the department of agriculture to promote and facilitate new and existing farm-to-school initiatives. School district representatives involved in these initiatives may include, but not limited to, school nutrition staff, purchasing staff, student representatives, and parent organizations."

    Renumber the remaining subsections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

EFFECT:  (1) Removes provisions in the underlying bill authorizing the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and school districts, to the extent that funds are appropriated for this purpose, to coordinate with the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) to promote and facilitate new and existing farm-to-school initiatives and small and direct marketing farm programs in school districts. 

    (2) Establishes new provisions authorizing the OSPI, to the extent funds are appropriated for this purpose, to coordinate with the WSDA to promote and facilitate new and existing regional markets programs, including farm-to-school initiatives and small farm direct marketing assistance.

    (3) Directs, subject to funding provisions, the regional markets programs of the WSDA to be a centralized connection point for schools and other institutions for accessing and sharing information, tools, ideas, and best practices for purchasing Washington-grown food.

    (4) Authorizes, subject to funding provisions, the regional markets programs of the WSDA to support school districts in establishing or expanding farm-to-school initiatives by providing information and guidance to overcome barriers to purchasing Washington-grown food.

    (5) Authorizes, subject to funding provisions, school districts and other institutions to coordinate with the WSDA to promote and facilitate new and existing farm-to-school initiatives.

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