Bill > SB558

This bill establishes a Food and Product Innovation Network (FPIN) within the Agribusiness Development Corporation to support Hawaii's agricultural and economic diversification goals. The network will help local businesses develop and market "made in Hawaii" products by providing access to manufacturing equipment, expertise, and resources across multiple facilities on different Hawaiian islands, including locations in Kauai, Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu. The network's key objectives include supporting product development from early-stage trials to commercialization, offering courses and events on business development, providing low-risk commercial production capabilities, increasing product exports, and helping entrepreneurs grow sustainable businesses. Partner members will include university facilities and other development centers, and the network will offer open access to infrastructure, expertise, and market opportunities for food producers and entrepreneurs. The Agribusiness Development Corporation will oversee the network and must submit an annual report to the legislature detailing the network's activities, progress in growing the agriculture and food industries, and any proposed legislation. The bill also appropriates funds for developing network facilities and introduces several new definitions related to food product innovation, such as "world-class products" and "wider network". The network aims to help Hawaii businesses create internationally competitive food and value-added products while supporting local economic development.