By Debi Brazzale, COLORADO NEWS AGENCY
Eating your veggies has now become serious business at the state capitol.
Lawmakers Wednesday mulled over a measure that would create an advisory council within Colorado government to create a recipe for farm-to-table coordinated action, intended to promote healthy eating in Colorado while giving a boost to Colorado’s agricultural industries.
Senate Bill 106, as presented to the House Agriculture committee, creates a ‘Food Systems Advisory Council’ within the Colorado Department of Agriculture for the purpose of supporting a robust and healthy local food economy—from agriculture, to production, to consumption.
The council would include 13 members with representation spanning state departments, agriculture, wholesalers, nutritionists, and food assistance programs. The Council would be funded by gifts, grants, and donations and would be required annually to report their recommendations to the legislature, the governor, and to the Department of Agriculture.
Republican Marsha Looper of Calhan is the House sponsor of SB 106, and is optimistic that the council, if created by the legislature, will produce positive outcomes for all Coloradoans.
“It’s important to get all the stakeholders at the table to address issues such as promoting locally grown foods, and healthy food choices for school children,” said Looper.
Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, was the only member of the House Agriculture Committee hearing the measure that spoke in opposition to the creation of the advisory council.
I don’t think that there should be a council telling us what we should and should not be eating to be healthy,” said Sonnenberg, who is also a farmer. “I’m worried that they may go down a path that may jeopardize industries such as the red meat producers that are essential to Colorado.”
Looper refutes Sonnenberg’s assertion that her bill amounts to excessive governmental intrusion.
“This is not nannyism. This bill is intended to build robust, resilient, and long term local food economies in Colorado that increases access to fresh, healthy, and safe food,” said Looper. “My hope is that this bill will help to knock down barriers that are inhibiting Colorado farmers and ranchers from accessing markets throughout the state.”
The measure will now go to the House Appropriations committee for approval before it can be considered by the full house.
