The bill H.408, introduced by Representative Surprenant, aims to promote the procurement of local foods by State institutions and universities in Vermont to enhance the viability of local farms and food businesses. It establishes a State policy that encourages these entities to prioritize local foods when they are comparable in cost to non-local options. Specifically, it mandates that food procurement officials must purchase local foods unless the price exceeds that of non-local products by more than 10 percent. The bill also includes definitions for "local food," "State agency," "State universities and colleges," and "State institution," which clarify the scope of the legislation.

Additionally, the bill requires food service management companies bidding for contracts with schools to provide information on how they can supply locally produced foods, enabling schools to qualify for local foods incentive grants. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025. Overall, the legislation seeks to strengthen Vermont's agricultural sector and promote economic resilience through local food procurement practices.