Enabling Farmer, Food worker, Environmental, and Climate Targets through Innovative, Values-aligned, and Equitable Food Procurement Act; EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act
Summary
The EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act aims to modify the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) food purchasing practices. It prioritizes foods that support regional economies, worker well-being, environmental sustainability, equity, fairness for small farms, and animal welfare. The act mandates increased procurement from covered producers (beginning, veteran, or socially disadvantaged farmers/ranchers) and covered entities (nonprofits or for-profits sourcing primarily from covered producers).
Expected Effects
This act will likely shift USDA spending towards smaller, local, and more sustainable food producers. It also introduces reporting requirements and pilot programs to evaluate and improve the impact of these changes. Ultimately, the goal is to leverage the USDA's purchasing power to promote a more equitable and environmentally friendly food system.
Potential Benefits
- Increased opportunities for small and disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
- Support for more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
- Improved worker well-being in the food supply chain.
- Greater transparency in USDA food procurement practices.
- Potential for a more resilient and diversified food system.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased food costs due to prioritizing specific types of producers and practices.
- Possible administrative burden and complexity in implementing the new procurement guidelines and reporting requirements.
- Uncertainty regarding the actual impact on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
- Risk of unintended consequences due to the complexity of the food supply chain.
- The definition of 'small or medium-sized farm or ranch' may need refinement to avoid loopholes or unintended beneficiaries.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's mandate to "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8), which includes the production and distribution of food. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).