SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 62
(By Senators Guills, Palumbo, Sypolt, Unger, White and Williams)
[Originating in the Committee on Agriculture]
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the
development of a sustainable West Virginia food system that
supports the production, processing, aggregation, distribution
and consumption of West Virginia foods.
WHEREAS, Substantial positive economic impact would result in
West Virginia from increasing the amount of West Virginia food
produced and consumed; and
WHEREAS, Significant health benefits will be achieved through
access to fresher, healthier West Virginia produced food; and
WHEREAS, West Virginia producers, consumers, and communities
as well as state and federal agencies are recognizing the economic
and nutritional value of local food; and
WHEREAS, There are more than one hundred farmers' markets
within the state with increasing sales showing that the people of
this state desire to be able to buy and enjoy local food; and
WHEREAS, Approximately thirty million dollars worth of
specialty crops are being produced in this state; and
WHEREAS, an increasing number of restaurants are seeking
locally sourced foods; and
WHEREAS, Coordinated, strategic and collaborative efforts by
local food stakeholders have been shown to successfully implement
policy changes that help establish local, regional and state food
systems; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the development of a sustainable West Virginia
food system that supports the production, processing, aggregation,
distribution and consumption of West Virginia foods, including the
value of the creation of a West Virginia Food Council to interact
with existing agencies to accomplish these goals; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2011, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.