MS HB718

Creates an Interagency Farm to School Council composed of nine members representing the State Department of Education, Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, State Department of Health, Mississippi State University Extension, Alcorn State University Extension, school food service directors, nonprofit farm to school organizations, poultry producers, and the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation.

Council shall facilitate farm to school programs by conducting assessments, developing pilot programs, assisting with grant applications, helping farmers build relationships with schools, providing training on marketing and food safety, and developing a website connecting schools and farmers.

Council members serve without compensation or reimbursement and the council operates without state appropriations, though it may accept public or private grants and request facilities and assistance from state agencies.

Council must hold its first meeting by August 1, 2013, elect officers, and meet at least four times annually, with progress reports required to relevant legislative committees by January 1, 2015, and annually thereafter.

Provisions of the act are repealed effective July 1, 2015, establishing a two-year sunset period for the council.