Support Good Food and Agriculture Bills!
The pandemic has put a renewed emphasis on the need to fix Hawaiʻi’s food system. The following bills will provide tangible solutions to these issues by addressing the gaps in our broken food system and supporting local farmers and food producers. There isn’t a one-all fix for our broken food system, but this combined suite of bills can provide a cumulative impact.
SB 335: 50% Local Food Production on State Ag Lands
Requires the Department of Agriculture and Agribusiness Development Corporation to annually lease at least 50% of land leased or land up for lease renewal to operations whose primary business is, or supports, local food production. Requires the ADC to submit reports to the legislature on leasing activities.
SB 335 Talking Points
One of the main hurdles farmers often cite is lack of access to affordable land. This measure will help expand farmers access to affordable land in Hawaiʻi
Will help reduce our dependence on imported food
Will support the growth of our agricultural and local food economy
DEADLINE: TBD
SB 337: Cover Crop Incentives
Establishes a cover crop reimbursement pilot program to provide up to 75% cost reimbursement to farming operations in the State for acquiring cover crop seeds or green manure.
SB 337 Talking Points
Supports sustainable farming practices
Cover crops conserve soil and water and prevent runoff impacting nearshore reefs and fisheries
Cover crops build organic matter and improve soil health and nutrients
Reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, saves farmers money in inputs
Similar programs have already been implemented successfully in other states
Many of Hawaiʻi’s agricultural lands are depleted from long-term industrial farming practices which deplete soil health. Cover crops can help to rebuild soil over time
DEADLINE: TBD
SB 338: Food Hub Pilot Program
Establishes a 5-year food hub pilot program to increase access to local food. Provides for the award of grant funding to qualified applicants wishing to establish or expand a food hub.
Talking Points
Food hubs provide the necessary aggregation of produce for small farmers to help bring produce to market
Promote the productions of culturally appropriate, nutritious foods
Will support the growth of our local food economy
Would help relieve pressure in emergency situations such as the recent overwhelming conditions in stores and on the national food supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic
Will provide greater food system equity, providing access to healthy food in local “food deserts”
DEADLINE: March 16, 2021 @ 10 AM
SB 341: Taro Tax Exemptions
Establishes an exemption from state income tax for the first $100,000 of a person's income from the business of taro cultivation or production is excluded from their gross income for Hawaiʻi income tax purposes.
Talking Points:
Taro is one of the most culturally significant food crops in Hawaiʻi and one of the healthiest staple starch foods available
Taro farmers need and deserve support to ensure taro farming continues to grow and expand into the future. This measure helps to incentivize farmers’ to grow taro
Taro lands provide ecological and environmental buffers against flooding. Taro lands are intricately connected to the protection of our riparian areas, coastal wetlands, and fishponds
Taro lands are celebrated as important and sacred places in Hawaiian traditions and stories and often farmed by families for generations
DEADLINE: TBD
SB 1251: Farm to School
Authorizes the Department of Education to meet the local farm to school meal goal of 15% of food served in public schools to be locally sourced by 2025 and 30% by 2030.
Talking Points:
Sourcing local food for schools will move public dollars to support our local farmers and help grow our local food economy
Support access to more culturally appropriate and nutritious foods for students such as kalo, sweet potato and others
Bolsters our local food security
Decrease our carbon footprint associated with imported food
DEADLINE: TBD
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