Bill > SB678

This bill establishes the Agricultural Development and Food Security Special Fund within the state treasury, which will be funded through a portion of the Environmental Response, Energy, and Food Security Tax (a tax on petroleum products and fossil fuels), legislative appropriations, grants, donations, and interest earned. The special fund can be used for various agricultural support purposes, including awarding grants to farmers, acquiring and improving agricultural property and infrastructure, purchasing agricultural equipment, conducting agricultural research, funding agricultural inspector positions, promoting agricultural products, improving water quality, and procuring locally produced agricultural products during emergencies. Applicants for grants must meet specific requirements, such as being properly licensed, providing detailed project plans, agreeing to use funds exclusively for agricultural production or processing, complying with anti-discrimination laws, and maintaining proper documentation. The Department of Agriculture is required to submit an annual report to the legislature detailing the fund's spending, targeted markets, persons served, and specific objectives with measurable outcomes. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2050, and will modify existing tax allocation provisions to include a new portion dedicated to this agricultural development fund.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=678&year=2026