H.423 is a bill introduced by Representative Cina of Burlington that aims to enhance the implementation of the Vermont Agriculture and Food System Strategic Plan. The bill proposes to allocate $1,000,000 from the General Fund to the Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Board, which will be used to issue grants for projects identified in the Strategic Plan. The intent is to foster food security and resilience while promoting healthy communities and ecosystems throughout Vermont. The bill emphasizes the importance of sustainable economic development in the food and farm sector, improving access to local foods, and strengthening connections among producers, processors, and markets.

The bill includes several findings that highlight the role of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund in establishing the Vermont Farm-to-Plate Investment Program and creating the Strategic Plan for agricultural and food system development. It acknowledges the exemplary work done by the Fund in identifying and implementing projects but stresses the need for additional investment to achieve the goals of the Strategic Plan. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.