S.B. 2746 Summary

• Establishes a Korean natural farming pilot program within the Department of Agriculture to test Korean natural farming techniques for combating agricultural pests including little fire ant, coffee berry borer, macadamia felted coccid, macadamia fungus, ohia wilt, banana bungee, coqui frogs, and fire weed.

• Creates a Korean natural farming coordinator position to lead the program and work with stakeholders; defines Korean natural farming as a technique involving collecting, culturing, and reintroducing indigenous microorganisms into agroecosystems.

• Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the regular session with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation regarding the pilot program.

• Adds funding for the Korean natural farming pilot program as an allowable use of the agricultural development and food security special fund, appropriating funds for one full-time equivalent coordinator position for fiscal year 2016-2017.

• Sunsets the program on June 30, 2018 (specific year left blank in bill), with statutory provisions reverting to their prior form upon expiration.