Bill Text: HI SB1416 | 2022 | Regular Session | Introduced

Hawaii Senate Bill 1416 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Relating To Farmer Equity.

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2022-02-18 - Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to JDC. [SB1416 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2022-SB1416-Introduced.html

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1416
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO FARMER EQUITY.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature recognizes the importance of investing in the long-term prosperity of the State's food and farming system, starting with its farmers. The legislature finds that historical and ongoing dispossession and deterritorialization has greatly impacted Native Hawaiian access to land and other resources such that structural barriers to farming continue to exist for Native Hawaiians. In addition, immigrant farmers and farmers of color have historically not had equitable access to land and other resources necessary to conduct farming in Hawaii, and the legacy of disadvantage persists.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2017 Census of Agriculture, female farmers represent thirty-four per cent of all framers referenced as primary producers in the State, while only twenty-five per cent of Hawaii farmers referenced as principal producers are women of color.

The legislature also finds that existing federal agricultural policies have failed to provide sufficient and appropriate technical assistance and financial support, including farmer cooperative creation, for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to support socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and include this support in the department of agriculture's vision and relevant policies.

SECTION 2. Chapter 141, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to read as follows:

"§141- Farmer equity. (a) As used in this section:

"Chairperson" means the chairperson of the board of agriculture.

"Department" means the department of agriculture.

"Socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher" means a farmer or rancher who is a member of a socially disadvantaged groups.

"Socially disadvantaged group" means a group whose members have been subject to prejudice based on their race, ethnicity, gender, or immigrant status because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities. These groups include all of the following:

(1) Native Hawaiians;

(2) Pacific Islanders;

(3) African Americans, Africans, and Afro-Latinos;

(4) Native Americans;

(5) Alaskan Natives;

(6) Latino/a/Latinx;

(7) Asian Americans;

(8) Women; and

(9) Immigrant communities.

"Urbanized area," as used by the United States Census Bureau, refers to an area with a population of at least fifty thousand people.

(b) The department shall:

(1) Ensure the inclusion of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, including socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in urbanized areas, in the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of food and agriculture laws, rules, policies, and programs;

(2) Consult with federal, state, and county agencies and departments and all other interested members of the public and private sectors in the State on opportunities for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and to coordinate state programs;

(3) Disseminate information regarding opportunities provided by, including but not limited to the United States Department of Agriculture, United States Environmental Protection Agency, United States General Accounting Office, Office of Management and Budget, and other federal agencies for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers;

(4) Evaluate boards, committees, commissions, and advisory panels related to farming and ranching in the State for opportunities for inclusion of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; and

(5) Compile and report data on who receives subsidies and state land leases, and whether these resources are being allocated to socially disadvantaged farmers.

(c) The chairperson of the board of agriculture shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, on efforts to serve socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and all female farmers and ranchers in the State to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2022, and each regular session thereafter. The report shall also provide information on how to improve processes to include socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

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

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Farmer Equity; Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers; Department of Agriculture

Description:

Establishes provisions within the department of agriculture to enhance farmer equity by ensuring inclusion of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in the development, implementation, and enforcement of food and agriculture laws, rule, policies, and programs. Requires an annual 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.