Bill > HB1450

This bill establishes a three-year Climate-Resilient Food Systems Grant Pilot Program administered by Hawaii's Department of Agriculture to support small family farms and ranches. The program will provide competitive grants ranging from an unspecified amount to help agricultural producers purchase specialized equipment, technology, and related costs to expand their production capacity. To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of Hawaii, operate a small family farm or ranch (defined as having gross annual income under $350,000), and match up to 20% of the total project costs. Grant applicants must also comply with various federal and state regulations, including non-discrimination laws and food safety standards. The program will run from 2025 to 2028, with the department required to submit interim reports to the legislature in 2026 and 2027, and a final comprehensive report in 2028 recommending whether the program should become permanent. The bill aims to increase local food production, enhance climate resilience, improve food security, and support the economic growth of small to mid-sized farms, building on the state's "Go B.I.G. (Buy, Invest, Grow) for Agriculture" initiative launched in 2024.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1450&year=2026