H.R. 6706

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6706 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 6706

To improve purchasing of food by the Department of Agriculture, and for 
other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

December 15, 2025

Ms. Adams (for herself, Ms. Lofgren, Ms. Tlaib, Mr. Fields, Mr. 
McGovern, Ms. Norton, Ms. Velazquez, Ms. Tokuda, and Mr. Carson) 
introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on 
Agriculture

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To improve purchasing of food by the Department of Agriculture, and for 
other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Enabling Farmer, Food worker, 
Environmental, and Climate Targets through Innovative, Values-aligned, 
and Equitable Food Procurement Act'' or the ``EFFECTIVE Food 
Procurement Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress finds that the Department of Agriculture, as one of the 
largest food purchasers in the world, has the responsibility and 
opportunity to help spur a more just, healthy, and sustainable food 
system by purchasing more foods that support--
(1) regional and resilient food economies;
(2) worker well-being;
(3) a safe and healthy environment;
(4) equity and inclusion;
(5) fairness for family farms, fishing businesses, and 
ranches; and
(6) animal welfare.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:
(1) Beginning farmer, fisherman, or rancher.--The term 
``beginning farmer, fisherman, or rancher'' means a person 
that--
(A)(i) has not operated a farm, fishing business, 
or ranch; or
(ii) has operated a farm, fishing business, or 
ranch for not more than 10 years; and
(B) meets such other criteria as the Secretary may 
establish.
(2) Covered authority.--The term ``covered authority'' 
means--
(A) section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 (7 
U.S.C. 612c);
(B) the matter under the heading ``removal of 
surplus agricultural commodities'' under the heading 
``Agricultural Marketing Service'' in title I of Public 
Law 88-250 (7 U.S.C. 612c-1);
(C) section 10603 of the Farm Security and Rural 
Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 612c-4);
(D) section 4404 of the Food, Conservation, and 
Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 612c-5);
(E) section 14222 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 612c-6); 
and
(F) any other purchasing authority of the 
Department of Agriculture.
(3) Covered entity.--The term ``covered entity'' means a 
nonprofit organization or a for-profit organization that is a 
processor, distributor, or a food hub that sources at least 51 
percent of its value from covered producers.
(4) Covered producer.--The term ``covered producer'' 
means--
(A) a beginning farmer, fisherman, or rancher;
(B) a veteran farmer, fisherman, or rancher;
(C) a socially disadvantaged farmer, fisherman, or 
rancher; or
(D) a producer on a small or medium-sized farm or 
ranch.
(5) Fishing business.--The term ``fishing business'' means 
a business engaged in commercial fishing (as defined in section 
3 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
Act (16 U.S.C. 1802)).
(6) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian Tribe'' means an 
Indian tribe included on the list published by the Secretary of 
the Interior under section 104 of the Federally Recognized 
Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 5131).
(7) Native alaskan.--The term ``Native Alaskan'' has the 
meaning given the term ``Native'' in section 3 of the Alaska 
Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602).
(8) Native hawaiian.--The term ``Native Hawaiian'' has the 
meaning given the term in section 801 of the Native American 
Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 
U.S.C. 4221).
(9) Nonprofit organization.--The term ``nonprofit 
organization'' means an organization that is described in 
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and 
exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code.
(10) Policy to limit deforestation.--The term ``policy to 
limit deforestation'' means a policy that includes, at a 
minimum, the following:
(A) Measures to identify the point of origin of 
forest-risk commodities and ensure compliance with the 
policy when supply chain risks are present.
(B) Data detailing the complete list of direct and 
indirect suppliers and supply chain traceability 
information for each forest-risk commodity found in 
products that may be furnished to the Federal 
Government, including--
(i) refineries, processing plants, farms, 
and plantations;
(ii) the respective owners, parent 
entities, and farmers of the entities described 
in clause (i);
(iii) maps; and
(iv) geolocations.
(C) Measures taken to ensure that each commodity 
described in subparagraph (B) does not contribute to 
deforestation.
(D) Measures taken to ensure the process of 
obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of 
indigenous peoples and local communities directly 
affected by the production of commodities described in 
subparagraph (B).
(E) Measures taken to protect biodiversity and 
prevent the poaching of wildlife and trade in bushmeat 
in all operations and areas adjacent to the production 
of commodities described in subparagraph (B).
(F) Measures taken to ensure compliance with the 
laws of countries where forest-risk commodities in the 
supply chain of the contractor are produced.
(11) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
of Agriculture.
(12) Small or medium-sized farm or ranch.--The term ``small 
or medium-sized farm or ranch'' means a farm or ranch that--
(A) has an annual gross cash farm income of less 
than $999,999; or
(B) meets another acreage-based definition of 
``small'' or ``medium'', as determined by the 
Secretary, that takes into consideration--
(i) the State or region in which the farm 
or ranch is located;
(ii) the production system of the farm or 
ranch; or
(iii) both.
(13) Socially disadvantaged farmer, fisherman, or 
rancher.--The term ``socially disadvantaged farmer, fisherman, 
or rancher'' means a farmer, operator of a fishing business, or 
rancher who is a member of a socially disadvantaged group (as 
defined in section 2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, 
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a))).
(14) Tradeoff process.--The term ``tradeoff process'' means 
a tradeoff process described in part 15.101-1 of the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (or a successor regulation).
(15) Veteran farmer, fisherman, or rancher.--The term 
``veteran farmer, fisherman, or rancher'' means a farmer, 
operator of a fishing business, or rancher who has served in 
the Armed Forces (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United 
States Code) and who--
(A) has not operated a farm, fishing business, or 
ranch;
(B) has operated a farm, fishing business, or ranch 
for not more than 10 years; or
(C) is a veteran (as defined in that section) who 
has first obtained status as a veteran (as so defined) 
during the most recent 10-year period.
(16) Certification program.--The term ``certification 
program'' means a program that uses qualified, independent 
auditors to carry out routine, in-person or on-farm assessments 
of a producer or business's compliance with publicly available 
standards that are developed with input from key stakeholders 
and subject matter experts and exceed conventional industry 
standards and applicable Federal or State legal requirements.

SEC. 4. FAIR FOOD PROCUREMENT.

(a) Purposes.--The purposes of the requirements described in 
subsection (b) are--
(1) to strengthen the resilience of the domestic food 
system;
(2) to create more opportunities for covered producers;
(3) to expand the choices available to school food 
authorities and food banks participating in the commodity 
procurement programs of the Department of Agriculture; and
(4) to expand workplace protections in the food supply 
chains of the Federal Government.
(b) Requirements.--In the procurement of foods under a covered 
authority, the Secretary shall make available and purchase a sufficient 
variety of--
(1) foods that support equity and inclusion, including--
(A) foods that are produced by, covered producers, 
or sourced from, covered entities; and
(B) foods that accommodate people with religious or 
restricted diets;
(2) foods that support diversified and resilient supply 
chains, including--
(A) foods that are produced by, covered producers, 
or sourced from, covered entities;
(B) foods that are produced by, or sourced from, 
agricultural cooperatives, producer associations, or 
food hubs that principally work with covered producers;
(C) foods that are produced by a certified organic 
farm (as defined in section 2103 of the Organic Foods 
Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6502)); and
(D) foods that are produced by a farm participating 
in an independent animal welfare certification program;
(3) foods that support worker well-being, including--
(A) foods that are sourced from vendors with 
employees who are represented by a collective 
bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding;
(B) foods that are sourced from vendors 
participating in a worker justice certification 
program; and
(C) foods that are sourced from vendors that have 
signed a labor peace agreement with a bona fide labor 
union; and
(4) foods that mitigate the impacts on climate change, 
including--
(A) foods that are produced using agricultural 
practices that measurably reduce greenhouse gas 
emissions and increase on-farm diversification and 
resilience to climate impacts, including perennial-
based systems, crop rotations, and ecologically managed 
pasture-based livestock;
(B) foods that are sourced from suppliers with a 
policy to limit deforestation;
(C) foods that emit less greenhouse gas emissions 
throughout the lifecycle of the product, relative to 
nutritionally similar foods; and
(D) foods that provide environmental co-benefits 
that increase climate resilience, such as--
(i) improving soil health and water 
quality;
(ii) increasing biodiversity and water 
conservation;
(iii) reducing the spread of invasive 
species; and
(iv) preserve native ecosystems.
(c) Baseline Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that 
includes--
(1) the percentage of the total annual spending of the 
Department of Agriculture spent on purchasing foods in each 
category of foods listed in paragraphs (1) through (4) of 
subsection (b), including a record of each purchase the 
Department made under each category that lists--
(A) the name of each supplier, distributor, 
processor, and producer involved in the provision of 
the food product;
(B) the total contract obligation; and
(C) a description of the food purchased;
(2) an estimate, developed in consultation with the 
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, of the 
greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of food 
purchased or procured by the Department of Agriculture;
(3) targets to increase by calendar year 2032, to the 
maximum extent practicable, the percentage of the annual food 
spending by the Department of Agriculture in each category of 
food listed in paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (b);
(4) a target to reduce by calendar year 2032, to the 
maximum extent practicable, the greenhouse gas emissions 
associated with the annual food purchasing by the Department of 
Agriculture relative to calendar year 2024, in accordance with 
the procurement-related targets established by Executive Order 
14057 (42 U.S.C. 4321 note; relating to catalyzing clean energy 
industries and jobs through Federal sustainability); and
(5) any recommendations--
(A) to enhance supply chain transparency, 
particularly for school food authorities that 
participate in any Department of Agriculture foods 
program;
(B) to restructure the commodity food procurement 
programs of the Department of Agriculture to support a 
regional model with increased local food purchasing, 
including recommendations for continuing and improving 
on the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative 
Agreement Program; or
(C) to increase procurement of foods listed in 
paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (b), including 
any recommendations that would require new authority 
from Congress.
(d) Annual Reports.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and each year thereafter, the Secretary shall 
submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate 
a report that includes--
(1) the percentage of the total annual spending of the 
Department of Agriculture spent on purchasing foods in each 
category of foods listed in paragraphs (1) through (4) of 
subsection (b) during the previous fiscal year;
(2) the names of all suppliers, distributors, processors, 
and producers involved in the provision of all foods purchased 
under a covered authority during the previous fiscal year; and
(3) an estimate of the greenhouse gas emissions associated 
with food purchasing by the Department of Agriculture during 
the previous fiscal year.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section, $2,000,000, to remain available 
until expended.

SEC. 5. SET-ASIDE FOR COVERED PRODUCERS.

(a) In General.--The Secretary, on a competitive basis, shall seek 
to enter into procurement contracts with contracts with covered 
producers and covered entities.
(b) Funding.--For each of fiscal years 2026 through 2031, of the 
funds made available to the Secretary under section 32 of the Act of 
August 24, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 612c), for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall 
use not less than $2,000,000 to carry out subsection (a).

SEC. 6. BEST VALUE PROCUREMENT PILOT PROGRAM; TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE; 
GRANTS.

(a) Best Value Procurement Pilot Program.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish and carry 
out a pilot program that uses a tradeoff process to select bids 
for food procurement contracts that deliver the overall best 
value and target purchases under covered authorities of foods 
listed in paragraphs (1) through (4) of section 4(b), using 
evaluation criteria established under paragraph (2).
(2) Establishment of evaluation criteria.--The Secretary 
shall establish the evaluation criteria described in paragraph 
(1)--
(A) after providing notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; and
(B) by providing opportunities for engagement 
with--
(i) covered producers;
(ii) covered entities;
(iii) individuals who follow religious or 
restricted diets;
(iv) Indian Tribes;
(v) Native Hawaiians;
(vi) Native Alaskans;
(vii) workers in the food system, including 
workers employed on farms, in food processing 
facilities and warehouses, and in food 
transportation; and
(viii) entities that use commodity programs 
of the Department of Agriculture, including 
child nutrition providers and food banks.
(3) Requirement.--The Secretary shall annually select bids 
under the pilot program established under this subsection in an 
amount that is not less than 20 percent of the annual food 
spending of the Department of Agriculture under the covered 
authorities.
(4) Report to congress.--Not later than January 1, 2026, 
and each year thereafter throughout the duration of the pilot 
program under this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
Representatives a report describing the progress of the 
Secretary in implementing the pilot program, including--
(A) the number of bid solicitations selected under 
the pilot program;
(B) the total amount spent by the Department of 
Agriculture on purchases made through the pilot 
program;
(C) a description of the evaluation criteria 
established under paragraph (2); and
(D) an evaluation of the solicitation process used 
for the pilot program that includes input from vendors.
(5) Termination.--The pilot program established under this 
subsection shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after 
the date of enactment of this Act.
(b) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide technical 
assistance to covered producers and covered entities to support 
equitable participation in the procurement programs of the Department 
of Agriculture, including technical assistance in obtaining necessary 
food safety training or certification.
(c) Grants.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a 
competitive grant program to assist eligible applicants 
described in paragraph (5) in participating in the procurement 
programs of the Department of Agriculture.
(2) Term.--The term of a grant awarded under this 
subsection shall be not more than 3 years.
(3) Use of funds.--A grant awarded under this subsection 
may be used for any of the following activities:
(A) To make upgrades necessary to obtain food 
safety accreditations and audits required to become a 
vendor for the Department of Agriculture.
(B) To pay for the cost of a food safety 
accreditation and audit.
(C) To purchase liability insurance.
(D) To develop and execute a food safety plan.
(4) Distribution.--The Secretary shall ensure geographic 
diversity in grants awarded under this subsection.
(5) Eligibility.--Applicants eligible for grants under this 
subsection are--
(A) covered producers; and
(B) agricultural cooperatives, fishing 
cooperatives, and producer associations composed of 
covered producers.
(6) Maximum grant amount.--No eligible applicant described 
in paragraph (5) may receive more than $100,000 in grants under 
this subsection.
(7) Reports.--
(A) Recipients.--Not later than 1 year after 
receiving a grant under this subsection, and annually 
thereafter for the period of the grant term, a 
recipient of a grant under this subsection shall submit 
to the Secretary a report describing--
(i) how the recipient used the funds; and
(ii) the progress of the recipient toward 
becoming a vendor, as described in paragraph 
(3)(A), if applicable.
(B) Secretary.--Not later than January 1, 2026, and 
each year thereafter in which the term of a grant under 
this subsection is ongoing, the Secretary shall submit 
to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture 
of the House of Representatives a report containing a 
list of the recipients of the grants, including a 
summary of--
(i) how the recipients used the funds; and
(ii) the recipients that have become 
vendors, as described in paragraph (3)(A), if 
applicable.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for fiscal year 
2026, to remain available through fiscal year 2031.
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