Senate Bill 194 Summary

• Establishes the Indiana local and organic food and farm task force, staffed by the Indiana state department of agriculture and chaired by the director of agriculture, to develop policy and funding recommendations for expanding local and organic food systems.

• Task force membership includes state agency officials (commerce, family and social services, health), four local farmers (including two organic), seven specialty crop producers, food processors and distributors, nonprofit representatives, Purdue University, local government officials, and community-based organizations with emphasis on minority representation.

• Task force must submit an interim plan to the General Assembly by October 1, 2011, and a final plan by October 1, 2012, addressing land preservation, farmer training, financial incentives for transition to organic production, food accessibility, infrastructure development, and business creation strategies.

• Plan must identify opportunities to develop farmers markets, roadside markets, local grocery stores, year-round public markets, and address legal impediments to local and organic food production.

• Task force expires December 31, 2012; effective date is July 1, 2010.