HI SCR59

Urges the Department of Agriculture to establish a farm apprenticeship program using a sublease structure where a lead farmer serves as the single point of contact and is responsible for lessee farmers' actions.

Program should ensure compliance with federal agricultural standards including USDA Good Agricultural Practices, FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act, and EPA Agricultural Worker Protection Standard.

Program must be replicable for expanded production, coordinate crop selection and rotation, and develop proficiency among sublessees who may advance to lead farmer positions.

Urges the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Agriculture, Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, and Agribusiness Development Corporation to provide extension services and training to support participating farmers.

Directs transmission of certified copies to the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture, Agribusiness Development Corporation Board Chair, and university deans.