HI HCR140

Urges the Department of Agriculture to establish a grant program for farmers implementing natural farming techniques, specifically the Cho global natural farming methodology developed in South Korea over the past 50 years.

Identifies global natural farming as a viable agricultural method used successfully in more than 30 countries that eliminates the need for conventional and imported pesticides and fertilizers while using local natural resources and indigenous microorganisms.

References an existing six-acre pilot project in Waianae, Oahu growing Vietnamese Taro and Thai basil since June 2010 that has improved product quality, increased yields, and decreased production costs and water consumption.

Requests the Department of Agriculture accept applications from agricultural producers on prescribed forms to qualify for natural farming grants under the Cho methodology.

Directs transmission of a certified copy of the resolution to the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture.