Buy American bill passes Senate Education Committee
–Legislation sponsored by Ag Council to strengthen Buy American policies for public school food purchases was approved by the Senate Education Committee today. The bill, SB 1308, is authored by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced).
“California’s agricultural community is meeting exceptional standards to protect the health and safety of workers, provide fair and competitive compensation, ensure food safety, reduce water use, boost energy efficiency, carefully manage pesticide use, and implement climate-smart ag practices. SB 1308 reflects these California values by using taxpayer dollars to purchase food products for students that meet these high standards,” said Adam Sroufe, director of employee relations at Pacific Coast Producers, who testified as a witness during the hearing.
The measure clarifies Buy American compliance by prohibiting public schools from purchasing agricultural food products not grown, packed or processed domestically unless the cost of the non-domestic product is more than 25 percent lower than the price of the domestic product.
Ag Council appreciates Senator Caballero for her leadership as the author of the bill. Ag Council also thanks Senate Education Chair Connie Leyva (D-Chino) and the committee members for their support of the measure this afternoon.
The bill previously passed the Senate Agriculture Committee on March 24, and it now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.
To read a press release by Sen. Caballero about the legislation, please click the link below.
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