THE SENATE

S.C.R. NO.

38

TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

urging the developMENT OF a plan for increasing aid and assistance to organic farmers.

 

 

     WHEREAS, organic farming practices are beneficial to human health and towards the preservation of environmental quality; and

 

     WHEREAS, organic farming practices emphasize sustainability and enhance soil health; and

 

     WHEREAS, organic farming promotes the practice of growing agricultural products without the use of toxic substances, such as pesticides and fertilizers; and

 

     WHEREAS, organic farming is an important building block for maintaining and preserving the State's scenic and environmental resources; and

 

     WHEREAS, organic farming is also an essential element in creating economic viability and preserving the quality of life in rural and agricultural communities; and

 

     WHEREAS, organic farming has gained in popularity in the State; and

 

     WHEREAS, local organic production, processing, and distribution cannot at this time meet the local demand for organic products; and

 

     WHEREAS, the importation of organic products from the mainland and other countries can result in an increased number of invasive species in Hawaii; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fifth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2009, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Department of Agriculture is urged to develop a plan to increase aid and assistance to organic farmers; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Agriculture is urged to increase cooperation with the Hawaii Cooperative of Organic Farmers and the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Agriculture is urged to employ all resources available including resources available through the United States Department of Agriculture for organic farming in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, P.L. 110-246; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture, the Executive Director of the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, and the President of the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Cooperative of Organic Farmers.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

Report Title: 

Organic Farming