HI HB310

Appropriates $300,000 for fiscal year 2023-2024 and $300,000 for fiscal year 2024-2025 to the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to establish one full-time agriculture education coordinator position.

Establishes a coordinated framework for agriculture education in Hawaii to address the shortage of farmers, with an average farmer age of 60 years, and insufficient youth interest in agriculture careers.

Supports implementation of recommendations from the University of Hawaii agriculture education working group's 2019 final report, which identified the need for a coordinator position.

Aims to increase the number of students exposed to agriculture education across all grade levels, expand the agricultural workforce, and improve food security and self-sufficiency for the State.

Takes effect on June 30, 3000.