The Senate’s farm bill, passed today, is the primary piece of legislation that establishes United States agricultural and food policy. The 2013 farm bill was strengthened by an amendment introduced by Senator Coons and Senator Johanns, and adopted by a voice vote, that bolsters our international food aid program. The Coons-Johanns Amendment increases the funding authorization for The Local and Regional Procurement Program, a successful initiative that expedites aid to populations affected by acute and chronic hunger. The increase in funding for the program — from $40 million to $60 million per year — will improve efficiency while supporting the development of food markets in low-income countries.
The Local and Regional Procurement Program is based on a pilot program of the 2008 farm bill to test projects that could get food aid to hungry populations faster and more efficiently. The program accomplishes this by sourcing food in communities and regions closest to those in need. Chris’ amendment improves upon this effort by increasing flexibility for aid providers to use locally and regionally purchased food, an important aspect of U.S. food assistance. The amendment had the backing of over twenty groups, including Oxfam America and Partners in Health.