The bill establishes the Ohio Food and Agriculture Policy Council, which is tasked with making recommendations to the General Assembly on enhancing the state's food systems and supporting its food and farm economies. The Council will consist of various members appointed by the Governor, including representatives from the Ohio Hospital Association, Ohio State University Extension, Central State University Extension, the Ohio Farm Bureau, urban and rural farming, statewide food banks, and Ohio cooperatives. The Council is required to develop a statewide plan with policy and funding recommendations for a sustainable food system and will report annually to the General Assembly on topics such as food security, access, production, waste, economic development, procurement, food chain workers, and resilience.
Additionally, the bill appropriates $500,000 from the General Revenue Fund to support the activities of the Ohio Food and Agriculture Policy Council. The Director of Budget and Management is responsible for establishing accounts for the appropriations and ensuring compliance with applicable provisions. The Council is designed to convene within a specified timeframe after the bill's effective date, and its members will serve four-year terms, with the possibility of removal by the Governor.