|
Introducing the Alliance’s Policy Working Group
In 2023, the Alliance re-engaged and re-launched the Policy Working Group with a clear focus on advocating and amplifying our member’s voices and leveraging impact. Originally, this Policy Working Group was established in 2018 and has gone through periods of actions and inaction. This working group is currently comprised of Alliance steering committee members, an elected chairperson, and Ecology Center staff. Meetings are open to members with a section for member comments.
Here are the working group’s current policy priorities:
-
AB 605 (2023) CDSS: To influence the development of AB605 to ensure farmers’ markets needs are represented. AB605 is a proposed bill that would scale technology to integrate “Market Match” nutrition incentives onto EBT cards, eventually replacing the scrip system at farmers’ markets. Check out the California Department of Social Services website for more information on the current pilot.
- AB 1197 (2023) CAFF/Local Producer Definition: To support in advocating for this bill as it would create a legal definition for a local producer, amplifying local food systems change efforts across the state.
- State NA Summer WIC/E-FMNP (2025) Host focus groups with the CA Dept. of Public Health staff to guide the rollout of e-FMNP (seasonal checks going digital) with consideration of the best interests of farmers’ markets.
- State NA CDFA Fees/Transparency around CDFA Fee Uses Provide transparency, accountability, and improved communication between the CDFA and farmers’ market industry professionals.
- Federal NA Advocacy for GusNIP Advocating for a tiered funding approach so that long-standing programs like CA Market Match are not competing with startup pilots in the innovation priority.State NA Getting CNIP funding into the baseline CDFA budget
Working to secure more institutionalized, long-term funding for Market Match and not rely on state grants to keep the program alive. (HR 4856, Crawford & Kildee)
- SB 907 (2022) LEAF / Local Equitable Access to Food
Advocate for funding LEAF, which would provide EBT technical support at Farm Direct sites across CA– making SNAP accessible for Farmers’ market Shoppers while funneling SNAP dollars to local producers.
Starting January 2024, our Alliance website will host updates regarding these important policy discussions. Stay tuned for 2024 Policy Working Group Meeting Dates.
| 
