The EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reform federal food purchasing by prioritizing products from beginning farmers, veteran farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, and small to medium-sized farms through preference programs and a new "best value" procurement pilot. Under this pilot, USDA will evaluate at least 20% of its annual food purchases based on factors beyond price alone—including sustainability practices and worker protections—over a five-year period. The bill also provides $25 million in funding (2026-2031) for technical assistance and grants of up to $100,000 per applicant to help small and disadvantaged producers afford food safety certifications, audits, and compliance costs. The legislation establishes clear definitions of eligible farmers and food companies, as well as standards for sustainable sourcing practices like supply chain transparency and environmental protections for forest-risk commodities.
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