MO HB873

Creates the Missouri Sustainable Local Food Policy Council within the Department of Agriculture to build a local food economy, create jobs, stimulate economic development, preserve farmlands and water resources, and increase food security.

Council comprises 21 members including the director of agriculture (chair), legislators, state agency directors, Farm Bureau president, local food producers, food bank representatives, university representatives, and industry association representatives.

Council shall meet quarterly at minimum and consider policy issues including sustainable food in school lunch programs, food stamp/WIC availability at farmers markets, urban gardening potential, economic development impacts, and regulatory barriers to local food economy development.

Director of agriculture shall convene the first meeting by December 1, 2011, with support staff provided by executive branch agencies; legislative members receive standard committee per diem and travel allowance only.

Council must report findings and recommendations to the general assembly and Department of Agriculture director by November 1, 2014; council authority expires June 30, 2015.