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 improve food purchasing practices by the Department of Agriculture (USDA). It prioritizes foods that support regional economies, worker well-being, environmental sustainability, equity, and animal welfare. The Act mandates increased procurement from covered producers (beginning, veteran, socially disadvantaged, or small/medium-sized farms) and covered entities (nonprofits or for-profits sourcing from covered producers).
Expected Effects
The Act will likely shift USDA's food procurement towards more sustainable and equitable sources. This includes setting targets for increased spending on foods meeting specific criteria and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from food purchasing. A pilot program will test 'best value' procurement, considering factors beyond just price.
Potential Benefits
- Increased opportunities for small and disadvantaged farmers.
- Support for more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
- Improved worker well-being in the food supply chain.
- Greater transparency in USDA food procurement.
- Potential for a more resilient and diversified food system.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased food costs due to prioritizing factors beyond price.
- Possible administrative burden and complexity in implementing the new procurement guidelines.
- Risk of unintended consequences or loopholes in the definitions and criteria.
- Uncertainty regarding the actual impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
- Potential for larger farms to be at a disadvantage.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) by aiming to promote a more just, healthy, and sustainable food system. It also aligns with Congress's power to regulate commerce (Article I, Section 8) by setting standards for food procurement. The Act does not appear to infringe upon 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).