HB212.DOC

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that recent conditions such as drought, floods, and volcanic emissions have resulted in a loss of agricultural jobs. Economic farming conditions also make it difficult to attract and retain farm operations in the State. Over the past fifteen years, the number of farmers under the age of thirty-five has decreased dramatically. This trend could cripple the agricultural industry when older farmers are lost to retirement.

The legislature further finds that sustainable food resources are vital for the State's economy. Hawaii currently imports ninety per cent of its food at a cost of $45,000,000,000. Without importing food, it is estimated that the State only has a seven day supply of food, particularly perishables. An increase in farming and agricultural activities would provide locally grown food and produce that would reduce the need to import agricultural products.

The purpose of this Act is to establish the beginning farmers assessment task force to investigate and report on programs to assist beginning farmers.

SECTION 2. Beginning farmers or livestock producers assessment task force; membership; duties; report; termination. (a) There is created the beginning farmers or livestock producers assessment task force to be placed in the department of agriculture for administrative purposes. By no later than August 1, 2009, the chairperson of the board of agriculture shall appoint members to the task force, with representation from the following:

(1) Department of agriculture;

(2) Hawaii farm bureau federation;

(3) University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources; and

(4) Representatives of other interested organizations or stakeholders, at the discretion of the chairperson, who can contribute to the mission of the task force.

The taskforce shall elect from among its members a chairperson and any other officers it deems necessary. Members shall not be compensated, but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses, including travel expenses, incurred in the performance of their duties.

(b) The task force shall convene its initial meeting no later than twenty days after the director has appointed all the members of the taskforce. The duties of the taskforce shall include the following:

(1) A study of the current state of resident owners of agricultural assets with at least fifty per cent of the gross annual income from agriculture and a net worth of at least $100,000;

(2) Public outreach to these resident owners to assess their willingness to rent agricultural assets, such as processing plants and vacuum cooling plants, on a share-rental basis with beginning farmers or livestock producers if provided incentives, including but not limited to tax credits;

(3) Identification of recruiting networks of potential beginning farmers who would be interested in participating in a program that would work with resident owners who want to rent agricultural assets to beginning farmers; and

(4) Assessment of the potential economic impact of expanding agricultural production through such a program, estimate potential revenues, and the costs and benefits of such a program.

The task force shall submit a report and its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2010 regular session.

(1) Is a Hawaii resident;

(2) Is actively involved in farming or livestock production and seeking to make a livelihood in the agricultural sector;

(3) Has a net worth of less than $100,000;

(4) Provides the majority of day-to-day physical labor and management on the farm; and

(5) Is not related to the owner of agricultural asset.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009-2010 for the beginning farmers assessment task force.

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

SECTION 4. The task force shall cease to exist on June 30, 2010.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2009.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	212
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009
STATE OF HAWAII