Panel Advances Bill to Create Oklahoma Food Policy Council to Coordinate Local Food Access

A bill to create an Oklahoma Food Policy Council won committee approval after sponsor testimony and discussion with department staff about overlap and organization.

The sponsor, presenting SP 2061, said the proposed nine‑member council would sit in the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and advise on food‑security, producer‑to‑consumer access and coordinating local food networks. The sponsor described the council's role as bringing together representatives from farming, food‑security initiatives, health departments, food banks and conservation practices to educate the public and recommend policy.

Jan Lee Rowlett of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry told the committee the agency already performs market development, farm‑to‑school and related programs through a small market development division, but that the proposed council would formalize representation and create a statutory forum to bring additional perspectives into policy discussions.

A senator asked about fiscal impact; the sponsor said there was reported to be no fiscal impact. Another member asked that the council's annual report be made publicly available; the sponsor said she would be willing to add language to make reports public.

The committee voted to pass the bill by roll call, recording 12 ayes and 1 nay.