(a) When procuring food and agricultural products for the State, its agencies, departments, instrumentalities, and institutions, the Commissioner of Buildings and General Services shall consider the interests of the State relating to the proximity of the supplier and the costs of transportation, and relating to the economy of the State and the need to maintain and create jobs in the State.
(b) When making purchases pursuant to this section, the Secretary of Administration, the Commissioner of Buildings and General Services, and any State-funded institutions shall, other considerations being equal and considering the results of any econometric analysis conducted, purchase products grown or produced in Vermont when available.