HI SCR37

Request the Department of Agriculture to establish the Agriculture 2030 Investment Program in consultation with the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and agricultural industry members to increase agricultural economic development through strategic planning.

Set four program goals: increase economic development in Hawaii's food and farm sector, create jobs in the food and farm economy, improve access to healthy local foods, and improve biosecurity.

Require the Department of Agriculture to create an advisory panel with agricultural and business community representatives, hire or contract staff (including with University of Hawaii), seek public and private funding, and utilize technical assistance and grants to advance program goals.

Direct the Department to establish a farm-to-plate program to ensure access to local and healthy food and seek grant funding for direct marketing including farmers' markets, community supported agriculture operations, and regional food hubs.

Require the Department of Agriculture to submit an annual report to the Legislature by twenty days before the 2019 Regular Session regarding its strategic plan for establishing the Agriculture 2030 Investment Program.