STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2609

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1416

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 1416 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FARMER EQUITY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Establish requirements for the Department of Agriculture to enhance farmer equity by ensuring inclusion of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in the development, implementation, and enforcement of food and agriculture laws, rules, policies, and programs; and

(2) Require an annual report to the Legislature.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; and one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawai‘i Farm Bureau.

Your Committee finds that farmers are key to the State's food system. However, many farmers who are socially disadvantaged face unique additional barriers to success. Existing policies are insufficient to meet the needs of socially disadvantaged farmers. This measure supports socially disadvantaged farmers by requiring the Department of Agriculture to enhance farmer equity and ensure inclusion of socially disadvantaged farmers in agricultural policy decision making.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1416 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair