EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act

This bill would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to buy a variety of foods from smaller, beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged producers, from unionized or certified vendors, and foods produced with practices that lower greenhouse gas emissions. USDA would have to report to Congress on how much it spends in each food category, list its suppliers, estimate the emissions tied to its food purchases, and set targets for 2032. It would set aside at least $2 million a year from 2026 through 2031 for contracts with these producers and related businesses. It would also create a five-year pilot program that awards at least 20 percent of USDA food spending using a 'best value' bid process, provide technical help, and offer grants of up to $100,000 to help producers meet food safety requirements to become USDA vendors.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Edward J. Markey Democrat sponsor
• 4 cosponsors