HB2396 S AGR AM #1

Hartley 7889

The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development moved to amend the bill by striking out everything after the enacting clause and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

§19-37-1. Legislative findings and purpose.

(a) According to the West Virginia Farm Bureau state schools alone currently purchase $100 million of food from out-of-state sources.

(b) Locally grown food is healthier and more beneficial to the environment than food imported from other states and other countries.

(1) Stimulate the agricultural economy of the state, especially in its economically depressed areas, and allow small farmers to expand operations as well as act as an incentive to new people to begin farming;

(2) Encourage state-funded institutions to begin growing their own produce, thus enabling people to learn and practice agricultural techniques, as well as lowering operational costs of those institutions; and

(3) Spur self-sufficiency and economic independence of those who learn and engage in agricultural activities.

§19-37-2. State-funded institutions to purchase food from in-state sources; exception.

Beginning July 1, 2019, all state-funded institutions, such as schools, colleges, correctional facilities, governmental agencies and state parks, shall purchase a minimum of five percent of its fresh produce, meat and poultry products from in-state producers: Provided, That such produce, meat and poultry products can be grown or is available from in-state producers.