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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
520 |
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THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to agriculture.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
(b) The farm succession pilot program shall:
(1) Encourage matchmaking between incoming and outgoing farmers to ensure succession of agricultural lands and productive resources;
(2) Encourage matchmaking between recently trained farmers and available jobs in agriculture and food systems;
(3) Provide technical assistance and coordination to assist prospective farmers with access to land, finance, counseling, business planning and management, and grant writing;
(4) Continue and fund programs that provide education and training to beginning farmers and ranchers, including agricultural rehabilitation and vocational training programs; and
(5) Advancement of land partnerships such as farm incubator programs and educational programs on commercial farms that teach agricultural and business skills.
(c) The department of agriculture may consult with any public or private entity, including but not limited to a representative from the Hawaii Good Food Alliance, a representative from the Hawaii Farm Bureau, a representative from the Hawaii Farmers Union United, and a representative from Go Farm to carry out its duties under contract with the pilot program established pursuant to this Act.
(d)
The department of agriculture shall submit a report of its findings and
recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no
later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2029.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the implementation of the farm succession pilot program established under this Act.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the continuation of the farmer apprentice mentoring program established by Act 304, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2023.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Department of Agriculture; Farmer Succession Pilot Program; Farmer Apprentice Mentoring Program; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes the farmer succession pilot program within the Department of Agriculture. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds for the pilot program and farmer apprentice mentoring program.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.