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THE SENATE |
S.R. NO. |
22 |
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TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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SENATE RESOLUTION
URGING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PLAN FOR INCREASING AID AND ASSISTANCE TO ORGANIC FARMERS.
WHEREAS, organic farming practices benefit human health and advance 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, 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, the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, and the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources at the University of Hawaii at Manoa; 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 Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture, the Dean of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the Executive Director of the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, and the President of the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Cooperative of Organic Farmers.
Organic Farming