HI SB520

Establishes a five-year Farm Succession Pilot Program at Leeward Community College to support young farmers through training, mentoring, and technical assistance.

Program shall facilitate matchmaking between incoming and outgoing farmers, connect trained farmers with agricultural jobs, and provide assistance with land access, financing, business planning, and grant writing.

Leeward Community College may consult with public and private entities including the Hawaii Good Food Alliance, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union United, and the University of Hawaii's GoFarm Hawaii program.

Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to implement the pilot program, including funding for 4.0 full-time equivalent staff positions.

Appropriates additional unspecified general revenue funds for the Department of Agriculture to extend the Farmer Apprentice Mentoring Program established by Act 304, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022.