Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

HB 1685

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Establishing a Washington food policy forum.

Sponsors: Representatives Gregerson, Hudgins, McBride, Peterson, Bergquist, Ortiz-Self, Tarleton, Orwall, Robinson, Farrell, Riccelli, Fitzgibbon, Walkinshaw, Senn, Lytton, Appleton, Ryu, Tharinger, Moscoso, Ormsby, Fey and Jinkins.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Establishes the Washington Food Policy Forum (Forum) to be administered by the Washington State Conservation Commission for the purposes of creating a forum in which state food policy, food-related programs, and food-related issues can be examined, improved, and better integrated with the goal of increasing the production, sales, and consumption of Washington-grown foods.

  • Requires the Forum to make recommendations to the Legislature by October 31, 2016.

Hearing Date: 2/4/15

Staff: Peter Clodfelter (786-7127).

Background:

Food policy councils collaborate to address challenges related to a food system. A food policy council is typically comprised of stakeholders interested in a local, regional or state food system. Councils can be formed by executive order, state law, and local ordinance, or through community grass-roots efforts. In general, a food policy council may work on issues related to supporting a local, sustainable food system and addressing issues such as food system infrastructure, public health, and local economic development. Examples of food policy council projects might include community gardens, farm-to-school programs, and support for food bank programs. Various forms of statewide food policy councils operate in other states. Also, there is a Regional Food Policy Council in King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Kitsap counties.

In 2008 the Legislature passed the Local Farms-Healthy Kids Act (Act), which was intended to strengthen links between state agriculture and state food procurement as a method to expand local markets, improve nutrition, and benefit the environment. The Act created four programs:

During the 2010 legislative session a broad coalition worked with the Legislature to propose Senate Bill 6343, which called for the creation of the Washington Food Policy Council. The bill did not become law and, subsequently, Governor Gregoire issued Executive Order 10-02 "Strengthening Washington's Food Systems through Policy and Collaboration."

Executive Order 10-02 called for a more focused examination of state food policy, food-related programs, and food-related issues. Further, Executive Order 10-02 directed certain state agencies to assess existing data, identify gaps and opportunities, and support solutions for improving the state food system. An interagency work group was created consisting of the state Department of Health, the state Department of Social and Health Services, the state Department of Agriculture, the state Conservation Commission, and the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. In 2012 the interagency work group recommended the establishment of the Food System Roundtable.

Summary of Bill:

The Washington Food Policy Forum (Forum) is established for the purposes of creating a forum in which state food policy, food-related programs, and food-related issues can be examined, improved, and better integrated. The State Conservation Commission (Commission) is required to administer the Forum.

Forum Membership.

The Director of the Commission is responsible for appointing the Forum's members and appointing an administrative chair. In making those appointments, the Director must attempt to ensure a diversity of knowledge, experience, and perspective from sources like state and federal governments, academia, related nonprofit and community groups, and the food industry, including food production, processing, distribution, marketing, and retail sales.

In addition to the members appointed by the Director, four state legislators may serve on the Forum in an ex officio capacity. For appointments of these legislative Forum members, the Speaker of the House of Representatives is required to appoint one member from each of the two largest caucuses in the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate is required to appoint one member from each of the two largest caucuses in the Senate. Each member of the Forum, legislative or nonlegislative, serves without compensation, except for certain travel reimbursements.

Forum Goals.

The Forum makes recommendations after considering specific goals. The Forum's goals include:

Mandatory Considerations While Making Forum Recommendations.

While making recommendations, the Forum is required to consider how the following things may help achieve the Forum's goals:

Also, while developing the Forum's recommendations, the Forum is required to: (1) coordinate with the Office of Farmland Preservation to avoid duplication of effort, and (2) coordinate with and build on processes established by the Washington State Food System Roundtable initiated pursuant to Executive Order No. 10-02. Further, also while developing the Forum's recommendations, the Forum may conduct research and analysis as needed within available financial resources and form an advisory committee or committees to address issues identified by the Forum as requiring additional study.

Presenting the Forum's Recommendations.

The Forum's recommendations must be presented to the Legislature through the State Conservation Commission by October 31, 2016. The Forum's recommendations may include considerations for continuation of the Forum beyond the expiration date provided in the bill—July 1, 2017—and any changes to the mission, charge, or structure of the Forum if it continues beyond that expiration date.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.