BEATRICE – A state senator from southeast Nebraska wants the state to go a step farther in promoting farm to school programs that provide local food and teach about agriculture.


Numerous groups lined up in support of LB396 yesterday, offered by Senator Tom Brandt of Plymouth. It proposes establishing a farm to school network using a coordinator in the Nebraska Education Department .


"Farm to school is economic development 101. The economic developmente benefits of farm-to-school percolate all through our local communities. By providing a stable, reliable market for local produce, farm to school enables Nebraska communities to start recapturing a portion of the 90-percent of our food dollars, that are currently leaving the state."


Brandt said the state has been missing out on a huge economic opportunity. He said much of the food purchased by schools comes from out of state.
"The national school lunch program is the largest restaurant chain in the country and in Nebraska. Nebraska should be aiming to source the bulk of what's served in school cafeterias directly from local producers...with children always needing to eat and schools contributing a stable, institutional market. Farm to school is one of the most robust, economic development tools a community can employ. Farm to school programs are about more than just sourcing and serving food. Through classroom instruction, field trips, hands-on gardening....students learn more about where their food comes from and how it is made."


One of those testifying in support of Brandt’s bill was Vice Chairman of Education for the Nebraska Cattleman, Marcus Urban...
"When looking at the benefits of farm-to-school, specifically the impact percolates through our local communities. By providing a stable and reliable market, our local produce, edible dry beans, grains, eggs, dairy and meat...farm to school allows communities to start recapturing a portion of the ninety percent of our food dollar that is currently leaving the state."


Dr. John Skretta, Administrator of ESU Number 6 in Milford also spoke in support of the Farm to School Act.  "I've been a school administrator for two decades and I'm convinced the main aspects of farm to school programs connect powerfully with understanding whole child education and coordinated school health. Educators know there is synergy between cognitive and physical development and that learning is enhanced when school nutrition is better. Farm to school connects these things in exciting ways."


Alex McKiernan co-owns Robinette Farms in Lancaster County, which grows produce for wholesale and retail markets. He says promoting the farm to school concept is a long-term process.  "When schools become farm customers, local dollars stay local while we build strong relationships around food. A 2010 report from Iowa State University's Department of Economics showed that fruit and vegetable production could have a massive economic impact in terms of GDP and employment. But, this is a long game. It's a generational project that can't happen immediately. And, we have to cultivate interest in agricultural production over many years....and then help those creative young minds market their ideas and their products."


During an Education Committee hearing Tuesday, groups supporting LB 396 included the Nebraska Sierra Club, Nebraska Department of Education, the Center for Rural Affairs along with individual farmers and producers. Establishing the network and coordinator position is estimated by the legislative fiscal office to cost about $100,000 annually.