HI SB2959

Appropriates $300,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2022-2023 to establish one full-time agriculture education coordinator position at the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

Addresses Hawaii's aging farmer population (average age 60) and insufficient agricultural workforce by supporting coordinated agriculture education framework across preschool through post-secondary levels.

Builds on recommendations from a three-year agriculture education working group that identified the need for a dedicated coordinator position to implement statewide support for agriculture education.

Expected outcomes include increased student enrollment in agriculture education programs, more trained agriculture teachers, expanded higher education and apprenticeship opportunities in food systems, and a younger, educated agricultural workforce.

Takes effect on July 1, 2022.