Report Title:

Agricultural Research

Description:

Appropriates $1 for fiscal year 2004 and $1 for fiscal year 2005 to fund agricultural research and market development conducted by the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation. (HB1434 HD2)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1434

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

H.D. 2

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

making an appropriation for agricultural research and development.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that research and market development is critical for the continued growth of Hawaii's agricultural industry. To provide the necessary support for the transition of Hawaii's agricultural industry, more resources must be directed towards agricultural research and market development.

Agricultural research is the basic foundation for Hawaii's agricultural industry. The Hawaii Agriculture Research Center (HARC) and the University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources (UH-CTAHR) are two very important research organizations that assist the entire agricultural community. For the past few years, funding for all agricultural research has declined dramatically. It is critical to maintain and increase the level of funding to keep Hawaii's agricultural industry competitive in the global market.

Market development is another key component in expanding the opportunities for Hawaii's agribusiness. Hawaii's small size and isolated location provide challenges to Hawaii's farmers in the global marketplace. Considerable effort and funds are needed to develop new markets, expand existing markets, and support new and existing crops.

The legislature finds that the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation is a nonprofit organization that services the agricultural industry statewide. The Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation has frequently partnered with institutions like HARC, UH-CTAHR, and the department of agriculture on many research and market development projects. The Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation exemplifies a strong commitment to agriculture and can assure that agricultural research and marketing meet the needs of the industry.

The purpose of this Act is to provide the necessary funding for the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation to pursue efforts in agricultural research and market development.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2003-2004 and the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2004-2005 for the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation to pursue efforts in agricultural research and market development.

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, 2003.