HI HCR183

Request for the Legislative Reference Bureau to convene an agricultural working group in collaboration with the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation to assess structural changes needed for Hawaii's agricultural industry in the 21st century.

Working group composition includes representatives from the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation (chair), Board of Agriculture, Board of Land and Natural Resources, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, USDA Farm Service Agency, Hawaii Agricultural Resource Center, Agribusiness Development Corporation, and working agriculturalists from seed, cattle, dairy, produce, poultry, aquaculture, and mariculture sectors.

Working group charged with exploring state government's role in supporting agricultural self-sufficiency and export growth, reevaluating state department functions to eliminate duplication, increasing access to federal and county programs, and identifying private partnerships to reduce government dependence.

Legislative Reference Bureau required to submit working group findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2011 Regular Session convening.

Certified copies to be transmitted to relevant state and federal agencies including the Director of the Legislative Reference Bureau, Board chairs, University Dean, and USDA.