HB 1375 Summary

• Establishes the Indiana Local Food and Farm Task Force to develop a plan with policy and funding recommendations for expanding local agricultural production, processing, distribution, and sales systems.

• Task force membership includes five state officials (agriculture director as chair, commerce secretary, family/social services secretary, health commissioner, state veterinarian) plus four private sector members appointed by the governor (two farmers, one processor, one distributor, one nonprofit representative).

• Task force must submit an interim plan to the General Assembly by October 1, 2012, and a final plan by October 1, 2013, addressing land preservation, farmer training, financial incentives, food accessibility, infrastructure development, and legal impediments to local food production.

• Task force expenses are funded through appropriations to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, which provides staffing; non-state members receive per diem compensation and expense reimbursement.

• Task force expires December 31, 2013; becomes effective July 1, 2011.