HI HCR165

Request the Department of Agriculture to establish a Hawaii good agricultural practices (GAPs) program for farms growing local agricultural food products.

Program must develop science- and risk-based agricultural practices to reduce potential for on-farm food-borne illness, tailored to different farm sizes, practices, and crops.

Program must educate Hawaii farmers on implementing good agricultural practices cost-effectively and provide voluntary verification procedures with state compliance certification.

Program must develop a consumer information program on proper treatment and handling of fresh and processed agricultural food products.

Department of Agriculture must consult with the Department of Health, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, and other state and federal agencies in developing and implementing the program.