HI SB380

Establishes an on-farm mentoring program within the department of agriculture to teach farmers about whole system agriculture practices, including soil health improvement using locally sourced organic amendments and ecological processes like Korean natural farming.

Requires the board of agriculture chairperson to appoint on-farm mentors for each island with a population greater than 5,000, and may appoint mentors for smaller islands upon request.

Mandates curriculum include instruction on locally sourced farming techniques, indigenous microorganism culturing, nutrient recycling, and optional instruction on farm management, animal husbandry, crop management, pest management, and beneficial insect breeding.

Appropriates $60,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2015-2016 as grants to support existing on-farm mentoring programs and a pilot program in Maui County.

Takes effect July 1, 2015.