HI HB1350

Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture to establish and implement a GroupGAP food safety training and certification program for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025.

Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to use appropriated funds under general administration for agriculture to support the GroupGAP program, which provides United States Department of Agriculture harmonized Good Agricultural Practices certification for small farms.

Addresses Hawaii's food security by supporting local agricultural production, as the state imports approximately 92% of its food and seeks to increase local food production through farm-to-school programs and food hubs.

References prior Act 136 from 2022, which appropriated funds directed solely to the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, and identifies the need for additional appropriations to establish a functional GroupGAP program.

Takes effect on June 30, 3000 (appears to be a drafting error in the legislation).