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Committee approves bill creating Farm‑to‑School coordinator in Arkansas Department of Agriculture
Summary
House Bill 16‑15 would establish a Farm‑to‑School coordinator to connect farmers, school districts and nutrition programs; sponsor and supporters said the role will expand local procurement and make better use of USDA grants, and the committee passed the bill.
The Senate Agriculture Committee voted to pass House Bill 16‑15, which would add a Farm‑to‑School coordinator position within the Arkansas Department of Agriculture to coordinate procurement, USDA grant opportunities, and local agriculture engagement with schools.
Representative Mary Bentley, who sponsored the bill, said Arkansas is the only state without such a coordinator and that the role would help bring superintendents, nutrition directors, extension agents and farmers together. Bentley said an appropriation and personnel authorization already passed in the personnel and budget committee and that Secretary Ward supports the position.
Senator Malek asked whether funding and department agreement were in place; Bentley confirmed funding and Secretary Ward’s support. The committee moved and passed House Bill 16‑15 by voice vote.
