Senate Bill 1902 (2022) — Farm-to-Plate Investment Plan
SB 1902
Florida Bills
Florida Senate - 2022 SB By Senator Torres 15-01675-22 20221902__ CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. A bill to be entitled
An act relating to the Farm-to-Plate Investment Plan; 2 creating s. 570.237, F.S.; requiring the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to develop a plan with recommendations for legislative action to stabilize and revitalize farm and food businesses in the state; providing plan requirements; authorizing the department to take certain actions in developing the plan; requiring the department to submit the plan to the Governor and Legislature by a specified date; 10 providing an effective date. 11
Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: 13
Section
Section 570.237, Florida Statutes, is created to read: 16 570.237 Farm-to-Plate Investment Plan.— 17
(1) The department shall develop a Farm-to-Plate Investment Plan with recommendations for legislative action to s tabilize and revitalize farm and food businesses in the state. 20
(2) At a minimum, the plan must include strategies to: 21
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a) Increase the economic output, employment, and establishment of farm and food businesses. 23
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b) Increase demand for food grown in the state. 24
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c) Diversify the state’s agricultural production portfolio; increase the economic viability of farm and food businesses; and provide such businesses with equitable access to capital and infrastructure for production, processing, 28 aggregation, and distribution. 29 Florida Senate - 2022 SB 1902 15-01675-22 20221902__ CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
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d) Provide farm and food jobs or careers with livable wages; safe, healthy, and supportive workplace conditions; and access to health care and other benefits. 32
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e) Provide accessible and equitable opportunities to gain knowledge and skills for farm and food jobs or careers. 34
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f) Assist farm and food businesses in increasing carbon sequestration; reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and adapting to climate changes due to global warming, including, but not limited to, floods, droughts, natural disasters , and serious pest and disease threats. 39
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g) Support, compensate, and recognize farm stewardship that increases ecological diversity, improves soil and water quality, and makes positive contributions to the environment and public good. 43
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h) Ensure that agricultural land remains in productive agricultural use and access to such land is more affordable and equitable. 46
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i) Require land use planning decisions to maintain and promote strong and viable farm and food businesses. 48
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j) Ensure that edible food, food scraps, and other food residuals are not treated or disposed of as waste. 50
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k) Increase the amount of food grown in the state that meets the dietary and cultural needs of people in the state. 52
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l) Expand financial resources for people in the state to access food grown in the state, including programs that provide support for purchasing food. 55
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m) Increase the number of locations where food grown in the state is sold, served, or provided. 57
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n) Ensure the food security of the state in order to Florida Senate - 2022 SB 1902 15-01675-22 20221902__ CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. provide adequate and accessible healthy food grown in the state during a state of emergency, including, but not limited to, 60 climate-related natural disasters. 61
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o) Support farm and food businesses and stakeholders in prioritizing racial equity. 63
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p) Support existing farm-to-school programs to increase the purchase of food grown in the state, with an emphasis on the procurement of nutrient-dense food. 66
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q) Market and promote food grown in the state within and outside the state. 68
(3) In developing the plan, the department may: 69
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a) Consult and contract with public and private entities. 70
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b) Hire and assign staff. 71
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c) Seek and accept funds from public and private entities. 72
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d) Take any other actions necessary for developing the plan. 74
(4) By October 1, 2024, the department shall submit the plan with recommendations for legislative action to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. 78