HI SCR234

Urges the Department of Agriculture to expand quarantine facilities under the Plant Quarantine Branch and determine the cost of recommended facilities in affected areas.

Urges the Department of Agriculture to apply for federal USDA funding under the Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention Program and the National Clean Plant Network Program to expand quarantine facilities and increase screening and enforcement abilities statewide.

Notes that coffee leaf rust fungus detection has demonstrated existing facilities are insufficient to meet demand for disease-resistant stock and that current state agencies lack adequate resources to respond to newly identified invasive species threats.

Acknowledges that the USDA has allocated $70,000,000 to support 383 projects under relevant programs and has provided nearly $670,000,000 since 2009 through the Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention Program.

Requires transmittal of a certified copy of the resolution to the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture.