SB 2473 Summary

• Transfers the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism for administrative oversight.

• Amends the ADC's mission to prioritize local food production for in-state consumption, reduce reliance on imported agricultural products, and increase farmland access for small local farmers and cooperatives, in addition to commercial export promotion.

• Modifies the ADC board composition and adds requirements for documented annual goals, performance measures, and annual evaluation of the executive director's performance against statutory requirements.

• Simplifies the Hawaii agribusiness plan requirements and mandates updates by July 1, 2023 and every five years thereafter, with specific one-year, five-year, and ten-year objectives and measurable outcomes for local food production prioritization.

• Appropriates $690,000 for fiscal year 2022-2023 for agribusiness plan consulting ($100,000), accounting support ($90,000), and security services ($500,000) on ADC-controlled land.