Today, the Buy American Food Act, SB 490 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced), was APPROVED in the State Senate after passing the Assembly last night.
The Buy American Food Act is Ag Council’s sponsored bill to support California farmers and workers by ensuring taxpayer funds are used to procure food aligned with our strong environmental and labor standards.
SB 490 requires that state public institutions – receiving federal reimbursement funds to provide prepared meals – include in their bids and contracts that they will only purchase agricultural food products grown and processed in the U.S., unless the imported product is 25 percent or more cheaper than a domestic product.
California’s agricultural community achieves exceptional standards to ensure food safety, reduce water use, boost energy efficiency, carefully manage pesticide use, protect the health of workers, and provide fair and competitive wages and implement climate-friendly agricultural practices.
These standards come at a cost, and SB 490 supports those achieving California’s ambitious standards by helping ensure billions in taxpayer funds are used to purchase food in compliance with our standards and aligned with California’s values.
Ag Council President Emily Rooney said, “Ag Council thanks Senator Caballero for authoring SB 490 and for her commitment and tenacity to ensure the Legislature approved this important measure, which will benefit California’s agricultural community.”
“Ag Council also appreciates the following labor organizations for their steadfast efforts to help pass SB 490 alongside our organization: California Cannery Industry Labor-Management Cooperation Committee, Teamsters Food Processing Division, California Teamsters Public Affairs Council, UFCW and others.”
Legislators approved SB 490 by large vote margins in both Chambers. The vote was 69-0 with 11 abstaining in the Assembly and 39-1 in the Senate.
SB 490 moves to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for consideration where Ag Council and other supporters urge the governor’s signature to enact the bill into law.