Oklahoma Bill Aims to Boost Access to Local Food

Proposed statewide policy council would connect farmers, markets, and communities

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:49pm

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A bill moving through the Oklahoma Legislature aims to expand access to locally grown food while strengthening connections between farmers, markets, and communities across the state. Senate Bill 2061 would create an Oklahoma Food Policy Council to help develop and coordinate local food networks statewide.

Why it matters

The goal is to improve access to fresh, locally grown produce while also supporting Oklahoma farmers and producers. The council would advise the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture on strategies to strengthen local food systems, expand distribution networks, and increase visibility for Oklahoma-grown products.

The details

The council would include appointees from the governor, speaker of the House and Senate pro tem, as well as representatives from Langston University Cooperative Extension Service and Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service. The bill is intended to make it easier for farmers to get food from farms to communities and connect local food to schools.

  • The bill is currently moving through the Oklahoma Legislature.
  • If approved, the council would begin working alongside state agencies and agriculture partners.

The players

Nikki Nice

The author of Senate Bill 2061, which would create the Oklahoma Food Policy Council.

Jim Grego

The principal author of the bill in the House, stating the proposal is intended to make it easier for farmers to get food from farms to communities.

Colby Craige

A farmer at Birch Creek Farm who says small producers often struggle with distribution, pricing, and long-term viability, and that the proposed council could help streamline distribution and support small farms.

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What they’re saying

“'Through SB 2061, we can connect our local producers, farmers, urban gardens, community gardens and farmers markets to help more Oklahomans enjoy locally grown, healthy foods. It's good for our local economy and for promoting better health in our state.'”

— Nikki Nice, State Senator

“'It's just setting up a council to help move more homegrown food to market and into our cities. It's good for our local economy and for promoting better health in our state.'”

— Jim Grego, State Representative

“'There's plenty of demand for local food, but I don't want to only be able to produce food for the wealthy.'”

— Colby Craige, Farmer, Birch Creek Farm

What’s next

If approved by the House, the Oklahoma Food Policy Council would begin working with state agencies and agriculture partners to develop strategies for strengthening local food systems and increasing access to Oklahoma-grown products.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation aims to bridge the gap between Oklahoma farmers and communities, making it easier for residents to access fresh, locally grown produce while also supporting the state's agricultural economy. The creation of a statewide food policy council could help streamline distribution, improve coordination, and empower small producers.