Establishing Missouri's Farm-to-Table Program

This law establishes Missouri’s Farm-to-Table Program to connect Missouri farmers with institutions, including schools. The aim of the law is “to provide institutions with locally grown agricultural products for inclusion in meals and snacks and to strengthen local farming economies.” The law instructs the state Department of Agriculture to develop voluntary guidelines for farm-to-table program participation and encourages, but does not require, public institutions to purchase 10 percent of foods locally. It also requires the Department to designate an employee to administer the program and be a liaison between farmers and institutions, including making a database of farmers and institutions, encouraging institutions to procure local food products, providing education and technical assistance to support stakeholders implementing the program, and seeking out funding for the program. Relevant definitions are found at section 262.962.