The COFSAC 2013 Report of Recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly has been released!
What is the Food Systems Advisory Council?
The Council, established through the LiveWell Colorado-initiated Senate Bill 10-106 and seated in October 2010 by Governor Ritter, brings diverse food- related stakeholders together to identify key food and agriculture issues and opportunities for the State of Colorado.
Who makes up the Council?
The Council is comprised of thirteen appointees representing a broad spectrum of government and non-government entities. The members represent most sectors of the food system and allow for a council very diverse in background and experience.
What was the intention of Senate Bill 10-106?
The Council was created as an advisory committee to foster a healthy food supply available to all Colorado residents while enhancing the state’s agricultural and natural resources, encouraging economic growth, expanding the viability of agriculture, and improving the health of our communities and residents.
What is the purpose of the Council?
The Council is created as an advisory committee to make recommendations to the General Assembly and to the appropriate regulatory agencies, not to make policy. The purpose of the Council is to:
- Identify and use existing studies relevant to the food system
- Work with and develop relationships with other task forces, committees, and/or organizations pursuing similar objectives
- Develop recommendations that promote the building of robust, resilient, and long-term local food economy
- Develop recommendations regarding hunger and food access
- Collaborate with local and regional food policy councils in the State
- Promote “Colorado Proud”
What are the main areas of focus for COFSAC?
The Council created three subcommittees in order to address top priority issues more efficiently. Each council members serves on at least one subcommittee where they are joined by guests and members of the public. The subcommittees and their objectives are as follows:
Healthy Food Access
- Develop a Vision for Healthy Food Access in Colorado
- Connect Federal Food Assistance Programs to Local Food Systems
- Engage Coloradans in the Work of the Council
- Build Capacity and Coordination with Local Food Systems Groups
- Understand Existing and Needed Infrastructure for Colorado Producers
- Advance Access to Financial and Technical Assistance Resources in Colorado
These areas do not constitute the entire list of potential actions identified by the Council, but rather areas that are ripe for immediate action. In some cases the Council may play a supporting role, in others an initiating role, and in some, simply helping to guide study or assessment efforts.
