Bill Text: HI HB2644 | 2014 | Regular Session | Introduced

Hawaii House Bill 2644 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Farm-to-Table Task Force

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-01-27 - Referred to AGR, FIN, referral sheet 7 [HB2644 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2014-HB2644-Introduced.html

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2644
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Establishing the Farm-to-table task force.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that farm-to-table initiatives foster agricultural self-sustainability. In addition, farm-to-table programs can benefit our State by connecting local agricultural producers with local consumers and purchasers, supporting our local agricultural industry, mitigating adverse environmental impacts caused by transporting food over long distances, and instilling healthy eating habits. The legislature also finds that farm-to-table initiatives are in line with the goals of Hawaii's long-term sustainability plan.

Furthermore, healthy eating and good nutrition is important to all residents, especially children. Well-nourished children perform better in school and have higher academic achievement. Increasing children's knowledge of local agriculture and improving their eating habits would improve their health and academic performance, potentially reduce long-term health care costs, and help them lead better lives.

The purpose of this Act is to establish the Farm-to-Table Task Force.

SECTION 2. Farm-to-Table Task Force

(a) The mission of the task force is to develop recommendations and strategies to help local agricultural producers deliver their products to local consumers and businesses and increase public awareness of local agricultural practices and the role that local agriculture plays in a sustainable community and in supporting a healthy lifestyle.

(b) Beginning no later than January 1, 2015, the department of agriculture shall convene a task force to develop recommendations and strategies.

(1) The chairperson of the board of agriculture or the chairperson's designated representative, who shall act as the chair of the task force;

(2) The chairperson of the board of education or the chairperson's designated representative;

(3) The director of the department of health or the director's designated representative;

(4) The director of the department of business, economic development, and tourism or the director's designated representative;

(5) The dean of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, college of tropical agriculture and human resources, or the dean's designated representative;

(6) A representative of the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation;

(7) Any other member that the department of agriculture chooses to designate;

(8) A member of the agriculture industry who represents small farmers;

(9) A member of the restaurant industry;

(10) A member that shall represent supermarket retailers; and

(11) A member that shall represent farmers' markets

(d) The task force shall:

(1) Develop recommendations and strategies that help connect local agricultural producers with consumers and purchasers and help facilitate the production, sale, and delivery of local products;

(2) Identify any type of barrier that prevents or hinders consumers and purchasers, including private individuals, restaurants, supermarkets, local retailers, schools, and state institutions, from purchasing and using more locally grown products;

(3) Identify any type of barrier that prevents or hinders local agricultural producers and sellers from selling or delivering more locally grown products to consumers and purchasers;

(4) Identify any type of barrier that prevents or hinders schools or other entities from engaging in educational campaigns or farm-to-school initiatives that teach children and the public about the concepts of food production and consumption, the value of an accessible supply of locally grown food, and the interrelationships between nutrition, food choices, obesity, and health;

(5) Address these barriers that may include, but are not limited to, the following issues:

(A) Transportation;

(B) Storage;

(D) Contracting; and

(E) Food certification, food safety, and health; and

(6) Investigate the status and availability of local, state, federal, and any other resources that may be used accomplish the duties and recommendations of the task force and eliminate the barriers that prevent or hinder local agricultural products.

SECTION 3. The task force shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2016 on its findings and recommendations, including any recommendations for an implementation plan or proposed legislation.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Farm-to-Table Task Force

Description:

Establishes a Farm-to-Table Task Force charged with developing ways to improve the production, sale, and delivery of locally grown agricultural products and educating the public on healthy eating habits and lifestyles. Requires a report to the legislature.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.