Appropriates funds to the department of agriculture for the Hawaii state farm fair.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii's agricultural industry is a critical part of the State's economy. Agriculture is a $2,900,000,000 industry that affects tourism, transportation, manufactured goods, labor, and many other components of Hawaii's economy. Because the agricultural industry in Hawaii is going through a historic transition from an industry dominated by two crops to a more diversified multi-crop industry, it is vital that the State continues to encourage and promote local agriculture.

The legislature further finds that the Hawaii state farm fair, an event sponsored by the Hawaii farm bureau federation, is an important educational and promotional tool for Hawaii's agricultural industry. The Hawaii state farm fair provides a venue for Hawaii's commodity organizations and other local producers to showcase their products to over one hundred thousand attendees. This event also gives the public the opportunity to interact with live farm animals and see locally grown vegetables and plants. In addition, the farm fair provides a hands-on experience in proper plant cultivation and gives attendees the opportunity to sample new locally grown and manufactured products.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to promote Hawaii agriculture through the Hawaii state farm fair.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $50,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006, and the sum of $50,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for the Hawaii state farm fair to be coordinated by the Hawaii farm bureau federation.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.