HI SCR112

Request the Department of Agriculture to convene an advisory group to develop initiatives making agricultural lands a priority for sustainability and self-sufficiency purposes.

Advisory group to be led by the Department of Agriculture and include representatives from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Department of Land and Natural Resources; all four counties; and private entities including Ulupono Initiative, Kanu Hawaii, and Hawaii Agriculture Research Center.

Advisory group must hold public meetings under Chapter 92, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and meet with government and private entities.

Report to Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2012 Regular Session with findings, recommended initiatives, proposed legislation, a statutory definition of "farm," and a prioritized list of statewide agricultural activities for local food production.

Transmit certified copies to the Board of Agriculture chairperson, Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, Board of Land and Natural Resources chairperson, each county mayor, and heads of specified agricultural organizations.