Appropriates money to support agricultural research and development.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that agriculture is one of the State's growth industries and a vital component of the State's economic base. It provides an economically viable use of the land providing the open space cherished by its citizenry and sought by its visitors. The legislature also finds that Hawaii's agriculture industry has become increasingly diverse with new economic opportunities as prime agriculture land becomes available and quarantine restrictions are overcome. It is encouraging that all sectors of agriculture, sugar, pineapple, macadamia nuts, coffee, papaya, flowers, exotic tropical fruits, etc., are working together to accelerate the expansion of the agriculture industry. To maximize the opportunities for maintaining and expanding the agriculture industry and to take the most advantage of the thousands of acres of prime farmland, production-driven research is of paramount importance.

The legislature finds that the commitment of the private sector is critical to the success of any industry and that the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center (formerly, Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association) exemplifies such commitment. The legislature also finds that the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center serves as a model of private-public partnerships for agricultural research. The Hawaii Agriculture Research Center effectively partners with public institutions, such as the USDA-ARS and the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, in facilitating agricultural technology transfer and in maximizing the use of limited community resources. Most of the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center's funding comes from the private sector, which provides the accountability demanded by its stakeholders and increases the returns on the State's funding, which benefits farm production and the local economy.

The legislature also finds that the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center has been directing its research primarily to crops that have received direct financial support, such as coffee, papaya, macadamia nuts, sugarcane, and forestry. The Hawaii Agriculture Research Center seeks to help increase commercial production through crop improvement programs focusing on improving cultural practices and producing superior planting material through plant breeding and selection. Agricultural research at the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center will continue to be a key resource in the State's efforts to strengthen and improve the agriculture industry, revitalize the economy, and maintain and create employment opportunities for residents, especially in rural areas.

The purpose of this Act is to provide the necessary funds to assist in maintaining current minimum levels of agricultural research at the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,000,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2001-2002, for agricultural research and development to be performed by the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center.

SECTION 3. The sum 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, 2001.