HI SB3030

Establishes a Farmer Apprentice Mentoring Program within the Department of Agriculture to teach farmers sustainable whole farm system approaches focused on soil health improvement.

Program curriculum must emphasize sustainable agriculture practices as defined by the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 and locally-sourced organic nutrient recycling enhanced through ecological processes such as Korean natural farming.

Addresses Hawaii's food security vulnerability, noting that 85-90 percent of the state's food is imported, resulting in approximately $3.145 billion in annual food expenditures leaving the state.

Appropriates general revenue funds for fiscal year 2018-2019 to the Department of Agriculture to provide mentoring and training on whole farm system approaches to agriculture (specific appropriation amount left blank in bill text).

Effective date of July 31, 2150.