H.88

AN ACT RELATING TO FLUID DAIRY PRODUCT CONTAINER SIZES

     The Senate proposes to the House to amend the bill by striking out all after the enacting clause and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

Sec. 1.  9 V.S.A. § 2695 is amended to read:

§ 2695.  FLUID DAIRY PRODUCTS

All fluid dairy products, including but not limited to whole milk, skimmed milk, cultured milk, sweet cream and buttermilk that are packaged for retail sale in units less than 1 liquid quart, shall be permitted. packaged for retail sale only in units of 1 gill, 1/2 liquid pint, 10 fluid ounces, 1 liquid pint,  Products packaged in units of 1 liquid quart or more shall be packaged for retail sale only in units of 1 liquid quart, 1/2 gallon, 1 gallon, 1 1/2 gallons, 2 gallons, and 21/2 gallons, or multiples of 1 gallon.  Packages in units of less than 1 gill shall be permitted.  On and after January 1, 1974, sour cream and yogurt shall be sold only in terms of weight, and shall be packaged for retail sale only in units of 4, 8, 12, 16, 32, 64 and 128 ounces avoirdupois except yogurt may also be sold in units of 5 and 6 ounces avoirdupois.

Sec. 2.  6 V.S.A. chapter 207 is amended to read:

CHAPTER 207.  STATE AGENCIES AND STATE-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS TO PURCHASE VERMONT AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

§ 4601.  VERMONT AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

(a)  It is the policy of this state to encourage the purchase and use of Vermont agricultural products by state and state-funded institutions and facilities.  The commissioner of agriculture, food and markets shall initiate the development of objectives to be sought in achieving this policy, including quality standards, and of strategies for its implementation.  The commissioner shall collaborate in this undertaking with:

(1)  When purchasing agricultural products, the The secretary of administration, and the commissioner of buildings and general services and any state-funded regarding purchases by state institutions shall, other considerations being equal, purchase products grown or produced in Vermont when available and when they meet quality standards established by the commissioner of agriculture, food and markets.

(2)  The heads of the University of Vermont and of Vermont state colleges regarding purchases by these institutions.

(b)  The commissioner of agriculture, food and markets together with the other public officials identified in this section shall annually by January 15 report to the general assembly on progress in implementing the state policy adopted by this section.

Sec. 3.  6 V.S.A. § 4602 is added to read:

§ 4602.  SCHOOL NUTRITION; VERMONT AGRICULTURAL

              PRODUCTS

(a)  The commissioner of agriculture, food and markets, the commissioner of education, and the commissioner of health shall review food policies the state of Vermont recommends to local school districts.  The focus of this review may include questions of nutrition, health, and development of children, and the opportunity to use local food sources to meet the nutrition goals of the policy.

(b)  The three commissioners shall report their findings to the House and Senate committees on agriculture, education, and health and welfare by January 15, 2005.