H.B. 1894 - Beginning Farmer Training Program

• Establishes a beginning farmer training program administered by the Department of Agriculture in conjunction with qualified nonprofit farmer training providers to increase the number of new farmers in Hawaii.

• Eligible beginning farmers must be Hawaii residents or have farmed for no more than five years, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and demonstrate interest in pursuing an agricultural career; training eligibility limited to one year maximum.

• Department of Agriculture shall collaborate with qualified training providers, implement recruitment strategies targeting low-income persons, disabled persons, and military veterans, and assist providers in seeking federal and county funding.

• Contracts with training providers capped at $100,000 per year per provider and $300,000 aggregate per provider during any five-year period; training topics include crop cultivation methods, livestock/poultry raising, soil health, agricultural business operations, and industry market analysis.

• Program sunsets on June 30, 2025; department must submit annual reports to legislature detailing enrollment numbers, provider descriptions, participant progress assessments, and measurable program results.