HI HB1527

Establishes a three-year cover crop reimbursement pilot program for farming operations in Hawaii to reimburse costs of cover cropping from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025.

Distributes available reimbursement funds prioritizing small farms, allocating 63% to farms up to 10 acres, 27% to 10-50 acres, 6% to 50-180 acres, 2% to 180-500 acres, and 1% each to farms of 500+ acres.

Limits individual farming operation reimbursements to a maximum per year amount (specific dollar amount not filled in draft) and requires applicants to prove costs are not already covered by federal incentive programs.

Creates a full-time temporary Cover Crop Reimbursement Pilot Program Manager position within the Department of Agriculture at a salary not exceeding $50,000 per year to manage program administration and fund distribution.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit annual reports to the legislature in 2023, 2024, and 2025 detailing acres under cover crops, total program spending, and recommendations on whether to extend the program.