HI SB1588

Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture to establish and implement a GroupGAP food safety training and certification program under program identification number AGR192.

Addresses Hawaii's food security by supporting local agricultural production, as Hawaii imports approximately 92 percent of its food and GroupGAP reduces certification costs by spreading training and auditing expenses across multiple farms.

Funds are to be appropriated for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, with the specific dollar amount left blank in the bill text.

Recognizes that Hawaii GroupGAP is the only comprehensive farm food safety training program in Hawaii that results in USDA harmonized Good Agricultural Practices certification aligned with FDA food safety guidelines.

Takes effect on July 1, 2050.