H.B. 240 Summary

• Creates the Ohio Sustainable Food Advisory Council consisting of representatives from state agencies (agriculture, development, health, natural resources, education), farmers of varying sizes, food industry representatives, environmental organizations, universities, and legislative members appointed by the governor, House speaker, and Senate president.

• Establishes council membership of approximately 40+ members with staggered initial terms of one, two, and three years, thereafter serving three-year terms; council meets at least quarterly with the Director of Agriculture as chairperson.

• Requires the council to develop sustainable food programs and policies on a continuing basis, addressing school lunch sourcing, public assistance programs, urban food production, economic development impacts, agricultural stewardship, regulatory barriers, and local food economy infrastructure.

• Mandates the council submit annual findings and recommendations to the General Assembly and governor by October 1st each year, including legislative proposals and administrative action recommendations.

• Provides that council members serve without compensation and the Department of Agriculture supplies technical assistance and meeting space.