HI SB128

Establishes a fungicide subsidy program administered by the Department of Agriculture from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2026 to help coffee growers offset costs of purchasing fungicides to combat coffee leaf rust.

Provides subsidies covering up to 75% of fungicide purchase costs for pesticides purchased before July 1, 2023, and up to 50% for purchases after June 30, 2023.

Caps individual subsidies at $25 per acre per year and $10,000 per year, with funds distributed pro rata among applicants based on available funds.

Appropriates $400,000 annually for fiscal years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 from general revenues to the pesticide use revolving fund, plus $500,000 annually from the revolving fund for program operations.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to report to the legislature by the 2026 session with findings on whether the program should expire or be extended, with or without modifications.