This bill calls for the restriction of local efforts to address making the healthy choice the easy choice in settings such as restaurants, retail food establishments and vending machines.

It will also obstruct the growth of food policy councils, community gardens, urban agriculture zoning, and other local initiatives that support wider availability of healthy food across Kansas communities.  It goes against the goals of the appointed Kansas Local Food and Farm Task Force, which recently released its Legislative Report containing policy and funding recommendations for expanding and supporting local food systems.  

HB 2595 has been scheduled for a hearing in the

Commerce, Labor and

Economic Development Committee on Wednesday, February 10th at 1:30 in Room 346-S (Old Supreme Court Chamber). 

Farmer Profile by Jean Stramel 

What does one do when retiring from a fruitful career and needs something to do?  Plant eighteen acres of grapes, of course!  Add ducks and sheep, build a hoop house, and proceed!

It was not that simple, of course, but after considering other enterprises, Jo Ann Kuhlmann began to develop her Eagle Creek Vineyard near Olpe, Kansas, in 2004.  She planted one acre of grapes, which is now up to eighteen. 

Herbicide drift damage is among some of the challenges Jo Ann faces and it has cost her much in increased labor.  

Click here to read more about Jo Ann's story and how she's handled drift on her farm.