HB1853 Summary

• Adds data collection on local farm and food product procurement prepared and consumed within state agencies as a legislative intent goal.

• Expands the definition of "agency" to include contractors and designees operating food service programs or providing wholesale local farm products to agencies.

• Adds new definitions for "food service program" (preparation and consumption of food at on-site cafeteria, excluding catered events and third-party vendors) and "distributor" (entities marketing and distributing local farm or food products).

• Changes reporting requirements from the Bureau of Legislative Research to the Arkansas Agriculture Department, with agencies submitting compliance reports by October 1 annually detailing procurement spending on local products.

• Adds program coordinator duties requiring work with distributors to ensure local farm products are available for purchase, maintain product lists for agencies, and provide reports to agencies on local product purchases and spending amounts.