Global Food Security Act of 2016

Global Food Security Act of 2016

This bill requires the President to develop and implement a Global Food Security Strategy to promote global food security, resilience, and nutrition.

(Sec. 2) This section specifies that it is in the U.S. national security interest to promote global food security, resilience, and nutrition, consistent with national food security investment plans through programs and activities that:

• accelerate inclusive, agricultural-led economic growth that reduces global poverty, hunger, and malnutrition;
• increase the productivity, incomes, and livelihoods of small-scale producers;
• build resilience to food shocks among vulnerable populations and households while reducing reliance upon emergency food assistance;
• create an environment for agricultural growth and investment;
• improve the nutritional status of women and children;
• align with and leverage U.S strategies and investments in trade, economic growth, science and technology, agricultural research and extension, maternal and child health, nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene;
• strengthen partnerships between U.S. and foreign universities that build agricultural capacity; and
• ensure the effective use of taxpayer dollars in achieving these objectives.

(Sec. 3) This section sets forth definitions that apply to this bill.

(Sec. 4) The President must coordinate a whole-of-government strategy to promote global food security, resilience, and nutrition, consistent with national food security investment plans.

This section specifies required goals and criteria for the strategy. The President must coordinate the efforts of federal departments and agencies to implement the strategy by establishing: (1) monitoring and evaluation systems, coherence, and coordination across federal departments and agencies; and (2) platforms for regular consultation and collaboration with key stakeholders and congressional committees.

The President must submit the strategy, including agency-specific plans, to Congress by October 1, 2016.

(Sec. 5) To carry out the strategy, the President may provide assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prevent or address food shortages.

(Sec. 6) The President must report annually to Congress on the implementation of the Global Food Security Strategy.

(Sec. 7) This section specifies that nothing in the Global Food Security Strategy or this bill should be construed to supersede or otherwise affect the authority of federal departments and agencies to carry out specified food and nutrition security or emergency and nonemergency food assistance programs.