H.B. 975 Summary

• Establishes a three-year cover crop reimbursement pilot program administered by the Department of Agriculture to reimburse farming operations for costs of cover crop seeds, green manure, or compost.

• Requires the Department of Agriculture to publicly post program information and awarded grants to ensure equal opportunity for all farming operations to participate.

• Reimburses eligible applicants up to 75% of costs incurred for qualifying materials purchased between June 30, 2022 and July 1, 2025.

• Creates a review panel with representatives from the Department of Agriculture, University of Hawaii at Manoa, and industry organizations to screen applicants and rank them on quality and appropriate use of cover crops and composting practices.

• Specifies eligibility requirements including indemnification of the State, provision of cost documentation, compliance with applicable licenses and laws, and agreement to make records available for Department monitoring.