Bill > S3471

This bill, known as the EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act, aims to improve how the Department of Agriculture (USDA) purchases food by prioritizing certain values and targets. It seeks to strengthen the domestic food system, create more opportunities for specific types of producers and businesses (referred to as "covered producers" and "covered entities"), expand choices for food assistance programs, and improve worker protections within the food supply chain. The bill mandates that the USDA make available and purchase a variety of foods that support equity and inclusion, resilient supply chains, worker well-being, and climate change mitigation. This includes foods from beginning, veteran, socially disadvantaged, or small/medium-sized farmers, fishermen, and ranchers, as well as those sourced from vendors with collective bargaining agreements or participating in worker justice programs. Furthermore, it encourages the purchase of foods produced using climate-friendly agricultural practices, sourced from suppliers with policies to limit deforestation, and those with lower greenhouse gas emissions. The bill also requires the USDA to report on its spending in these categories, set targets for increasing such purchases by 2032, and estimate associated greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, it establishes a pilot program for "best value" procurement, provides technical assistance to eligible producers and entities, and creates a grant program to help them meet USDA vendor requirements, with specific funding authorized for these initiatives.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3471/all-info