Report Title:

Agricultural Research and Market Development; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2004-2005 for agricultural research and market development conducted by the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2009

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

making an appropriation for agricultural research and market development.

 

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that research and market development are critical for the continued growth of Hawaii's agricultural industry. To provide the necessary support for the transition of Hawaii's agricultural industry from once vast pineapple and sugar plantations to diversified agriculture, more resources must be directed toward 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 important research organizations that assist the entire agricultural community. Although funding for agricultural research has declined dramatically in recent years, it is critical that funding be continued to keep Hawaii's agricultural industry competitive in today's global market.

Market development is another key component in expanding the opportunities for Hawaii's agribusiness. Given Hawaii's small size and isolated location, 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 $2,500,000 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; provided that the sum of $1,500,000 shall be used for agricultural research and the sum of $1,000,000 shall be used for market development.

The sum 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, 2004.

INTRODUCED BY:

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