Subcommittee advances HB 1086 to Appropriations to expand farm-to-school purchases

Delegate Laufer presented HB 1086, which adds a Virginia farm-to-school exemption intended to encourage schools to purchase Virginia-produced or processed agricultural products (including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole milk and other dairy and other local products) and extends the sunset for the procurement section to July 2028.

Caroline Biscalia, Assistant Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, said the administration supports the bill and appreciated the sponsor. Trey Davis of the Virginia Agribusiness Council, Eric Paulson of the Virginia State Dairymen's Association, and Caitlin Jordan of the Virginia Farm Bureau each testified in support, saying the bill would create reliable demand for Virginia-grown products, strengthen rural economies and provide fresher ingredients for students.

The subcommittee voted to report HB 1086; the clerk closed the roll and the bill was recommended to be reported on a vote of 8 to 0.