HI HB827

Amends the Agribusiness Development Corporation's statutory purpose to prioritize local food production alongside traditional agricultural development, effective January 1, 2022.

Requires the Department of Agriculture and Agribusiness Development Corporation to annually lease or license at least 50 percent of eligible land to agricultural operations whose primary business is food or crop production for local consumption.

Defines "local food production" as crops, livestock, poultry, and other foods grown in Hawaii for direct consumption by residents and visitors, and "primary business" as at least 50 percent of production distributed for local consumption.

Mandates the Department of Agriculture to submit annual reports to the legislature (by 20 days before each regular session) detailing leased lands by size and island, vacant parcels, specialty farm protocols, and descriptions of lease transfers with crop type information.

Establishes local food production as a strategic priority in the Hawaii agribusiness plan's goals, objectives, and policy guidelines for agricultural industry development.