HI SCR81

Requests the University of Hawaii to convene a task force to study whether an agribusiness cooperative program should be established to serve small family farms and livestock farms in the state.

Task force must examine the feasibility, usefulness, and costs of establishing an agribusiness cooperative program and evaluate whether developing local feed mills will lower farm expenses and reduce carbon impact of imported feed transportation.

Task force must identify appropriate state agency or department for administering the program and propose permanent funding mechanisms through private and public sources or establishment of a local feed mill.

Task force composition includes 8 members: Board of Agriculture Chairperson, University of Hawaii CTAHR extension representative, CTAHR faculty member, University of Hawaii at Hilo agricultural economics professor, Hawaii Food Industry Association President, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation President, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council President, and Hawaii Egg Producers Cooperative representative.

Task force must report findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2012 Regular Session.