AB3,1,5 1An Act to create 93.01 (17), 93.37, 93.495 and 93.61 of the statutes; relating
2to: promoting production of value-added agricultural products; creating an
3organic farming education grant program, a grazing education grant program,
4and a farm to fork grant program; providing resource conservation technical
5assistance; granting rule-making authority; and making an appropriation.

This bill requires the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer
Protection to provide education and technical assistance related to producing
value-added agricultural products. The bill defines a “value-added agricultural
product” as a farm product that satisfies any of the following: 1) has undergone a
change in physical state; 2) is produced in a manner that enhances its value; 3) is
physically segregated in a manner that enhances its value; 4) is a source of
farm-based or ranch-based renewable energy; or 5) is aggregated and marketed as
a locally produced product. As a part of providing education and assistance related
to producing value-added agricultural products, DATCP must provide education
and assistance related to organic farming practices, collaborate with organic
producers, industry participants, and local organizations that coordinate organic
farming, and stimulate interest and investment in organic production. The bill
authorizes a position in DATCP to perform these duties and also requires DATCP to
provide grants to organic producers, industry participants, and local organizations,
which may be used to provide education and technical assistance related to organic

farming, to help create organic farming plans, and to assist farmers in transitioning
to organic farming. The bill also requires DATCP to provide grants to entities to
provide education and training to farmers about best practices related to grazing.
DATCP is also required under the bill to help farmers market value-added
agricultural products.

In addition, the bill creates a farm to fork program, similar to the existing farm
to school program, to connect entities, other than school districts, that have
cafeterias to nearby farms to provide locally produced foods in meals and snacks, to
help the public develop healthy eating habits, to provide nutritional and agricultural
education, and to improve farmers' incomes and direct access to markets. Under the
bill, DATCP must provide grants to entities for these purposes. The bill authorizes
a position in DATCP to act as a program coordinator for the farm to fork program.