H.R.293 - Making Agricultural Products Locally Essential (MAPLE) Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 293, the Making Agricultural Products Locally Essential (MAPLE) Act, proposes to amend Section 4402(b)(1) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to include maple syrup in the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 9, 2025, by Mr. Langworthy and Mr. Courtney and was referred to the Committee on Agriculture.
The bill aims to expand the existing program, which provides seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs, to include maple syrup. This expansion intends to support local maple syrup producers and provide seniors with additional nutritional options at farmers' markets.
The bill's short title is the "Making Agricultural Products Locally Essential (MAPLE) Act".
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to broaden the scope of the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program to include maple syrup. This would allow eligible seniors to use program benefits to purchase maple syrup at participating farmers' markets.
This change could lead to increased demand for locally produced maple syrup and provide additional income to maple syrup producers. It may also improve seniors' access to a locally sourced agricultural product.
Potential Benefits
- Supports Local Agriculture: The bill directly supports local maple syrup producers by increasing demand for their products.
- Improved Senior Nutrition: Provides seniors with access to another potentially nutritious, locally sourced food option.
- Economic Boost for Farmers' Markets: Inclusion of maple syrup could attract more seniors to farmers' markets, benefiting other vendors as well.
- Program Expansion: Demonstrates a commitment to expanding and improving existing nutrition programs for seniors.
- Reduced Food Waste: By supporting local producers, the bill could contribute to reducing food waste associated with long-distance transportation.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited Scope: The bill focuses solely on maple syrup, potentially overlooking other agricultural products that could benefit from inclusion in the program.
- Potential for Increased Program Costs: Expanding the program may require additional funding, which could strain existing resources.
- Regional Bias: The benefits of the bill may be concentrated in regions where maple syrup production is prevalent, creating a geographic disparity.
- Administrative Burden: Implementing the change may require adjustments to program guidelines and administrative procedures.
- Limited Impact: The overall impact on senior nutrition and agricultural viability may be relatively small due to the niche nature of maple syrup.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution (Preamble), as it aims to promote the well-being of seniors by improving their access to nutritious food. Additionally, Article 1, Section 8 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.
There are no apparent conflicts with specific constitutional provisions, such as the Bill of Rights. The bill does not infringe upon individual liberties, rights, or privacy.
However, the constitutionality of spending measures is often debated, particularly regarding the scope of the general welfare clause. Some may argue that this specific expenditure is not sufficiently related to the general welfare to justify federal action.
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).