Support Our Local Farmers & Regenerative Agriculture
Join us in supporting more good food and agriculture bills this week!
SB2992 SD1 HD1 (Hawaiʻi Agricultural Investment Program), SB2990 SD1 HD1 (Cover Crops), and SB2218 SD1 HD1 (Food Hubs) all have a hearing before the House Committee on Finance this Friday, April 1, at 1:30 PM. Testimonies for these bills are due Thursday, March 31, at 1:30 PM.
About the Bills
SB2992 SD1 HD1 (HAWAIʻI AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENT PROGRAM) - SUPPORT
What Does This Bill Do?
Establishes the Hawaiʻi Agricultural Investment Program to support local agricultural food producers via a 50% matching grants program.
Why Is This Important?
Please feel free to use the following as talking points for your testimony. You can also write something powerful from your experience on why this issue matters to you.
High costs in Hawaiʻi limit the competitiveness of local agriculture and have undermined efforts to expand local food production. Direct support for local agricultural producers can help overcome the high costs faced by Hawaiʻi's agricultural sector.
SB2990 SD1 HD1 (COVER CROPS) - SUPPORT
What Does This Bill Do?
Establishes a cover crop reimbursement pilot program that reimburses local farming operations for up to 75% of cover-cropping-related costs.
Why Is This Important?
Please feel free to use the following as talking points for your testimony. You can also write something powerful from your experience on why this issue matters to you.
Cover crops improve water quality, soil health, and build resiliency in the face of climate change. They are one of the most common, accessible agricultural strategies for improving soil health and water retention. They also prevent nitrogen pollution in water and erosion to the benefit of both the environment and the farmer.
SB2218 SD1 HD1 (FOOD HUBS) - SUPPORT
What Does This Bill Do?
Establishes a five-year food hub pilot program to increase access to local food. Provides for the award of grant funding to qualified applicants wishing to establish or expand a food hub.
Why Is This Important?
Please feel free to use the following as talking points for your testimony. You can also write something powerful from your experience on why this issue matters to you.
Food hubs provide markets for small farmers and food producers to sell their produce and food products. It can be challenging for small farmers and food producers to find retail outlets and markets for their goods. Food hubs level the playing field for smaller-scale producers by connecting them with customers who want to support local and sustainably grown food. Food hubs aggregate produce and added value products and often provide delivery and pick-up options.
What You Can Do
Please submit testimony for each of these bills via the Hawaiʻi State Capitol Portal.
Share this call to action on your social media channels and spread the word! There is more power in numbers.
Stay involved and continue to testify this legislative session!
(Click here for full legislative website guide)
Thank you for standing alongside us to fight for a more just Hawaiʻi.
Together, we can heal Hawaiʻi’s broken food system.
