HI SB524

Establishes an agricultural development and food security program within the Department of Agriculture to increase demand for and access to locally grown foods and increase local food production.

Adds two new state planning objectives to Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 226: increased demand for locally grown foods through marketing campaigns, branding/labeling programs, public institution purchasing, and farm food safety expansion; and increased local food production through improved agricultural infrastructure, support for agricultural parks, irrigation systems, distribution networks, and food hub facilities.

Appropriates unspecified sums from general revenues for fiscal years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 for multiple agricultural initiatives including promotional materials, branding programs, farmers' market publicity, farm-to-school pilot programs, school garden development, farm food safety certification, regional infrastructure planning, and position restoration in food inspection, pest control, biosecurity, market research, and agricultural statistics.

Directs appropriations to the Department of Agriculture for most programs and to the Department of Education for the farm-to-school pilot program and University of Hawaii for agricultural research and training on food development and food security.

Takes effect July 1, 2030.