summary
Introduced
02/27/2025
02/27/2025
In Committee
02/27/2025
02/27/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Session
Bill Summary
This bill proposes to provide that it is the State policy to encourage the procurement of local foods by State institutions and State universities and colleges to increase the viability of Vermont farms and food businesses. The bill would provide that a State institution or a State university or college purchasing food shall provide a preference to local foods when local foods are comparable in costs to foods that have not been grown or produced in the State. The bill would require a person responsible for procuring food or other items on behalf of a State institution or a State university or college to purchase local foods unless the price of local goods exceeds by more than 10 percent the price of food or other agricultural products grown or produced that were not grown or produced within Vermont.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a state policy to encourage procurement of local foods by Vermont state institutions, universities, and colleges with the goal of supporting local farms and food businesses. The legislation defines "local food" as food grown or made in Vermont and applies to state agencies, state universities and colleges, and state institutions. Under the bill, when purchasing food, these entities must give preference to local foods when they are comparable in cost to non-local foods. Specifically, procurement officials are required to purchase local foods unless the local products cost more than 10 percent above non-local alternatives. Additionally, the bill requires food service management companies and food suppliers bidding for school nutrition program contracts to provide information about their ability to supply locally produced foods. The bill also includes legislative findings that emphasize the importance of supporting local agricultural production, strengthening local economies, and promoting food self-sufficiency. The provisions of this act will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving state institutions time to adjust their purchasing practices to align with the new requirements.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry Hearing (00:00:00 3/18/2025 ) (on 03/18/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.408 |
| BillText | https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0408/H-0408%20As%20Introduced.pdf |
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