What does Preamble of EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To improve purchasing of food by the Department of Agriculture, and for other purposes,' aims to improve the Department of Agriculture's food purchasing practices. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on December 15, 2025.

What does SHORT TITLE. of EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act do?

This bill is formally titled the ``Enabling Farmer, Food worker, Environmental, and Climate Targets through Innovative, Values-aligned, and Equitable Food Procurement Act'' or the ``EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act''.

What does FINDINGS. of EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act do?

This section establishes findings regarding the Department of Agriculture's role in the food system. Congress finds the Department of Agriculture has a responsibility and opportunity to promote a more just, healthy, and sustainable food system. The Department of Agriculture is recognized as one of the largest food purchasers globally. The findings identify six areas the Department of Agriculture should support through its purchasing practices: regional food economies, worker well-being, a safe and healthy environment, equity and inclusion, fairness for family farms, and animal welfare.

What does DEFINITIONS. of EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. A 'beginning farmer, fisherman, or rancher' is defined as someone who has not operated such a business or has done so for no more than 10 years. Several existing laws and sections are designated as 'covered authority' for purchasing purposes. A 'covered entity' is a nonprofit or for-profit organization processing, distributing, or operating a food hub sourcing at least 51% of its value from 'covered producers'. A 'covered producer' includes beginning, veteran, socially disadvantaged, or small/medium-sized farmers, fishermen, or ranchers. The term 'fishing business' is defined according to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The definition of 'Native Alaskan' and 'Native Hawaiian' reference specific sections of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act, respectively. A 'policy to limit deforestation' requires measures to identify origin, ensure compliance, provide traceability data, and protect indigenous rights and biodiversity. The 'Secretary' is defined as the Secretary of Agriculture. A 'small or medium-sized farm or ranch' has an annual gross cash farm income of less than $999,999 or meets acreage-based criteria determined by the Secretary. A 'veteran farmer, fisherman, or rancher' is defined as someone who has served in the Armed Forces and meets specific operational criteria.

What does FAIR FOOD PROCUREMENT. of EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act do?

This section establishes requirements for food procurement by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) under a 'covered authority'. The USDA is directed to prioritize foods that support equity and inclusion, diversified supply chains, worker well-being, and climate change mitigation. Foods prioritized include those produced by covered producers, accommodate restricted diets, are sourced from agricultural cooperatives, are certified organic, or come from farms with animal welfare certifications. The Secretary must also prioritize foods sourced from vendors with collective bargaining agreements, worker justice certifications, or labor peace agreements. Foods that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support soil health, and increase biodiversity are also prioritized. Within one year of enactment, the Secretary must submit a baseline report to Congress detailing current spending on food categories, supplier information, and greenhouse gas emissions estimates. The report must also include targets to increase spending in prioritized food categories and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2032. Annual reports, beginning two years after enactment, will continue to track spending, supplier information, and greenhouse gas emissions. The section authorizes $2,000,000 to carry out these requirements.

What does SET-ASIDE FOR COVERED PRODUCERS. of EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act do?

This section establishes a set-aside of funds for procurement contracts with covered producers and covered entities. The Secretary shall enter into these contracts on a competitive basis. For fiscal years 2026 through 2031, at least $2,000,000 of funds made available under section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 612c) must be used for this purpose.

What does BEST VALUE PROCUREMENT PILOT PROGRAM; TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE; of EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act do?

This section establishes a Best Value Procurement Pilot Program for food procurement contracts, utilizing a tradeoff process to select bids. The Secretary must establish evaluation criteria for the pilot program after providing notice and an opportunity for public comment, and engaging with various stakeholders including producers, entities, individuals with dietary restrictions, and workers in the food system. The pilot program requires the Secretary to select bids annually representing at least 20% of the Department of Agriculture’s annual food spending. The Secretary is required to submit annual reports to Congress detailing the pilot program's progress, including bid solicitations, spending, evaluation criteria, and vendor input. The Best Value Procurement Pilot Program will terminate five years after the Act's enactment. The Secretary will provide technical assistance to producers and entities to support participation in Department of Agriculture procurement programs. A competitive grant program is established to assist eligible applicants in participating in Department of Agriculture procurement programs, with grants not exceeding $100,000. Grant funds can be used for activities such as obtaining food safety accreditations, audits, liability insurance, and developing food safety plans. The Secretary must ensure geographic diversity in grant awards. The section authorizes $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, available through fiscal year 2031, to carry out this section.

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EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act

Last updated: 12/15/2025 · Introduced: 12/15/2025

Author: Alma Adams (D-NC)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill directs the Department of Agriculture to prioritize food purchases that support equity, worker well-being, diversified supply chains, and climate change mitigation.
It establishes a set-aside of at least $2,000,000 annually from 2026-2031 specifically for contracts with 'covered producers' (beginning, veteran, socially disadvantaged, or small/medium-sized farmers) and 'covered entities' (food hubs sourcing at least 51% of their value from covered producers).
A Best Value Procurement Pilot Program will be implemented, allowing the Department of Agriculture to select bids based on a tradeoff process considering factors beyond just price, such as environmental and social impacts.
The bill authorizes $25,000,000 to provide technical assistance and grants (up to $100,000) to producers and entities to help them participate in Department of Agriculture procurement programs.
The Department of Agriculture must submit baseline and annual reports to Congress detailing food spending, supplier information, and greenhouse gas emissions, with targets to increase spending in prioritized categories and reduce emissions by 2032.

119th Congressin committeeS. 3471(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

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