Gov. signs order to strengthen food system
On June 22, 2010, Governor Gregoire issued an Executive Order that brings together state agencies and community partners to coordinate their work and increase collaboration to strengthen our state's food system.
This Executive Order was, in part, the result of work from the Good Food Coalition, co-chaired by WEC. The Good Food Coalition brings together farmers, children's health advocates, anti-hunger advocates, and environmentalists to advocate for policies that build a sustainable and socially just food system that supports viable local farms, protects our air, land and water, and ensures affordable access to healthy food for all people in Washington State.
"Each year, we lose 70,000 acres of farmland here in Washington. The average age of our farmer is 57. Our food system is struggling and we can - and need - to do better," said Ellen Gray, executive director of The Washington Sustainable Food & Farming Network and co-chair of the Good Food Coalition. "I applaud the Governor for taking this important first step and look forward to the recommendations this group will bring forward."
The Executive Order tasks the Departments of Health, Agriculture, Social and Health Services along with the Conservation Commission and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to deliver a report to the Legislature outlining the remaining gaps and opportunities in Washington state food policy that will help agencies, legislators, and stakeholders develop solutions that fit our state's needs.
“We need to keep our farmers working, and ensure all kids have access to farm fresh food,” said Rep. Kevin Van De Wege (Sequim). "This Executive Order is a building block towards a better way of doing things, and I’m hopeful that it will result in strong policy recommendations to the Legislature on how we can promote healthy farms and healthy food.”
By increasing the coordination between state agencies and increasing awareness about locally-grown food, we help to build a sustainable future for Washington farmers and create an economy which keeps working farms working. It also is an opportunity to increase access to healthy food for all Washingtonians.
"This is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to preserving farmland and connecting farmers with people across Washington," said Kerri Cechovic, outreach director at Washington Environmental Council. "We're looking forward to working with the Governor, the Legislature, and our Good Food Coalition partners to continue building a healthy food system for our state."
