HB 2595 will halt growth of local efforts addressing community gardens, urban agriculture zoning, and other local initiatives.
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HB 2595 will Halt Local Efforts to Strengthen Local Food Systems & Healthy Choices
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.
Challenges are Many But Rewards Keep This Farmer Going
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.
This work is part of KRC's "Community Food Solutions for a Healthier Kansas" initiative that aims to advance seven key public policy solutions to better incorporate Kansas farms into the supply chain thereby potentially improving Kansas's economy, community, environment, and health status. For more information about this initiative visit kansasruralcenter.org/cfs.