HI HCR77

Requests the Department of Education and UH Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience to support the Secondary Agricultural Education Program (now called Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Program) and Future Farmers of America (FFA)

Hawaii imports more than 85% of its food, making the state highly vulnerable regarding food security and necessitating investment in agricultural workforce development

The Secondary Agricultural Education Program has operated since 1930 but declined significantly after 2000, dropping from over 30 high schools and 800+ FFA members due to No Child Left Behind, funding cuts, and closure of UH's agriculture teacher degree program

Proposes employing an extension agent at UH Manoa's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience to provide professional development and create a pipeline transferring agricultural knowledge to teachers and students

Certified copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the Board of Education Chairperson, Superintendent of Education, and UH System President