HI SB2704

Establishes a three-year cover crop reimbursement pilot program administered by the Department of Agriculture to reimburse farming operations for costs of acquiring cover crop seeds or green manure through June 30, 2023.

Provides up to 100 percent cost reimbursement for eligible cover crop or green manure purchases, with a maximum of $50,000 per farming operation per year.

Creates a full-time temporary cover crop reimbursement pilot program manager position within the Department of Agriculture with a salary not to exceed $50,000 per year to administer the program.

Requires applicants to certify that reimbursement amounts are not already covered by other governmental programs such as the National Resource Conservation Service's environmental quality incentive payment or conservation stewardship programs.

Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2020-2021 to establish and administer the program, with up to $20,000 allowed for administrative costs, and requires the Department to report findings and recommendations to the Legislature by 20 days prior to the 2024 regular session.