74th OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2007 Regular Session
 
NOTE:  Matter within  { +  braces and plus signs + } in an
amended section is new. Matter within  { -  braces and minus
signs - } is existing law to be omitted. New sections are within
 { +  braces and plus signs + } .
 
LC 807
 
                         House Bill 2288
 
Ordered printed by the Speaker pursuant to House Rule 12.00A (5).
  Presession filed (at the request of Governor Theodore R.
  Kulongoski for State Department of Agriculture)
 
 
                             SUMMARY
 
The following summary is not prepared by the sponsors of the
measure and is not a part of the body thereof subject to
consideration by the Legislative Assembly. It is an editor's
brief statement of the essential features of the measure as
introduced.
 
  Creates Oregon Food Policy Council. Specifies duties.
 
                        A BILL FOR AN ACT
Relating to the Oregon Food Policy Council.
Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:
  SECTION 1.  { + (1) The Oregon Food Policy Council is
established in the Housing and Community Services Department. The
council shall consist of the following:
  (a) The Director of the Housing and Community Services
Department, or a designee of the director.
  (b) The Director of Agriculture, or a designee of the director.
  (c) The Director of the Oregon State University Extension
Service, or a designee of the director.
  (d) The Director of Human Services, or a designee of the
director with expertise in health issues.
  (e) The Superintendent of Public Instruction, or a designee of
the superintendent.
  (f) The Director of the Economic and Community Development
Department, or a designee of the director.
  (g) Sixteen persons appointed by the Governor, consisting of:
  (A) One person representing the office of the Governor with
expertise in rural policy.
  (B) One person who is a member of the State Board of
Agriculture or, if no member accepts appointment, who is a
representative of the board.
  (C) One person representing sustainable agriculture interests.
  (D) One person actively engaged in farming in western Oregon.
  (E) One person actively engaged in farming or ranching in
eastern Oregon.
  (F) One person actively involved with farmers' markets or in
farm direct marketing.
  (G) One person representing food processors.
  (H) One person representing food retailers.
  (I) One person representing restaurants and food services.
  (J) One person representing anti-hunger organizations.
  (K) One person representing health care providers.
  (L) One person representing an environmental organization.
  (M) One person representing the religious community.
 
  (N) One person who is a professional nutritionist employed by
an institution of higher learning.
  (O) One person who is a food stamp user.
  (P) One person who is a member of a local food policy council.
  (2) The Governor shall appoint council members described in
subsection (1)(g) of this section to terms of three years.
However, an appointed member serves at the pleasure of the
Governor. If there is a vacancy of a member appointed by the
Governor for any cause, the Governor shall make an appointment to
become immediately effective for the unexpired term.
  (3) The Governor shall select one member of the council to
serve as chairperson and another to serve as vice chairperson,
for the terms and with the duties and powers to perform the
functions of those offices as the Governor determines necessary
to carry out the purposes of section 3 of this 2007 Act.
  (4) A majority of the members of the council constitutes a
quorum for the transaction of business.
  (5) The council shall meet at times and places specified by the
call of the chairperson.
  (6) The Housing and Community Services Department shall provide
staff support for the council.
  (7) Notwithstanding ORS 561.374, council members are not
entitled to compensation or reimbursement of expenses under ORS
292.495. + }
  SECTION 2.  { + Notwithstanding the term of office specified in
section 1 (2) of this 2007 Act, of the members first appointed to
the Oregon Food Policy Council under section 1 (1)(g) of this
2007 Act:
  (1) Five shall be appointed to serve a term of one year.
  (2) Five shall be appointed to serve a term of two years.
  (3) Six shall be appointed to serve a term of three years. + }
  SECTION 3.  { + (1) The Oregon Food Policy Council shall review
state and local food system issues for the purpose of
recommending improvements related to the linkage between food
producers, consumers and policy makers. The council shall give
priority to:
  (a) Working with the State Department of Agriculture to
encourage the adoption and expansion of local food purchase
policies and practices that authorize and encourage public
institutions within the state to give preference to regionally
produced high-quality foods.
  (b) Supporting ongoing efforts of the State Department of
Agriculture and the Oregon State University Extension Service to
foster and develop farmers' markets, small farming operations,
local agricultural marketing opportunities and
community-supported agriculture as economic development and to
enhance the viability of community and home gardens.
  (c) Supporting education, outreach efforts and programs that
assist local communities and schools in understanding food
production, food preparation and how to maximize the consumption
of foods that are nutritious.
  (d) Supporting and assisting the development of local food
policy councils in all areas of the state. Support and assistance
may include, but need not be limited to, providing a forum for
coordination and communication between the local councils and
facilitating dialogue concerning whether issues are best handled
through state policies, plans and solutions or through local
efforts.
  (2) The council may develop and suggest strategies to improve
food systems and create economic and health benefits, including
but not limited to strategies for:
  (a) Creating urban and rural partnerships;
  (b) Improving access to fresh, nutritious foods;
  (c) Reducing hunger and food insecurity for low-income
Oregonians;
  (d) Increasing purchases of local foods;
  (e) Enhancing the vitality of the agricultural industry;
  (f) Expanding food-related businesses and jobs; and
  (g) Working with local governments to assist the development of
local food-related policies.
  (3) The council shall act as a forum for input, advice,
education, interaction and information sharing between persons
involved in the various aspects of food systems.
  (4) The council shall work in consultation with other state
entities dealing with hunger or homelessness issues, including
but not limited to the Housing and Community Services Department,
the State Department of Agriculture and the Hunger Relief Task
Force. + }
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