Climate-Friendly Food Label Task Force Act
Climate-Friendly Food Label Task Force Act
Plain Language Summary
# Climate-Friendly Food Label Task Force Act Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would create an advisory panel to study how the U.S. could develop a "climate-friendly" certification label for agricultural products. The panel would examine ways to help farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions and would recommend a system that uses market-based approaches—allowing consumers to make informed choices about the environmental impact of their food.
The study would be submitted to the USDA and Congress as a report with recommendations. **Who It Affects** The bill would impact farmers and agricultural producers, food companies, consumers, and environmental advocates. It would also constrain the USDA from creating climate-friendly food certifications or guidance on its own until after the panel completes its study and submits findings to Congress. **Key Details** The advisory panel would include climate scientists, nutrition experts, environmental organizations, industry representatives, and federal agencies. The focus would be on helping producers reduce emissions while using approaches that give consumers choice and education rather than top-down mandates. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee and has not been voted on by Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Climate-Friendly Food Label Task Force ActThis bill establishes an advisory panel to study and submit a report to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Congress on the development of a climate-friendly certification for agricultural products. The USDA-appointed advisory panel must include representatives who are scientists (including experts on climate science and nutrition science) and representatives from environmental advocacy organizations, industry, and federal agencies.The panel's report must include recommendations regarding the development of a climate-friendly certification for agricultural products that (1) moves agricultural producers toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions on a lifecycle basis, and (2) uses market-based approaches that allow for greater consumer choice and education.USDA may not issue any related regulations or guidance (or otherwise certify or advertise any agricultural product as climate-friendly) before the report is submitted to Congress.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.