THE SENATE |
S.C.R. NO. |
71 |
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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SENATE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
supportING the efforts of non-governmental entities that help local agricultural producers meet federal food safety and FOOD security requirements.
WHEREAS, food safety and food security are immediate and pressing concerns for many Hawaii consumers, producers, farmers, and retailers; and
WHEREAS, the United States Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act, P.L. 111-353, which requires full compliance with food safety and food security standards by 2013, has created a problem for local agricultural producers and value-added producers; and
WHEREAS, food safety is critical for Hawaii's survival and security; the burden of importing food is increasing; and there is a need for the State to be self-sustainable; and
WHEREAS, full compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act's requirements will allow local agricultural producers and value-added producers to access international and domestic markets, thereby strengthening the agribusiness industry, and help protect children and persons with compromised immune systems from food borne illnesses; and
WHEREAS, complying with federal food safety standards is critical to agribusiness in Hawaii; and
WHEREAS, state and federal agencies; produce farmers; and the retail business community, including many non-governmental organizations that deliver pivotal services to the people of Hawaii by providing meals, are concerned and confused about the future of agriculture in Hawaii; and
WHEREAS, one such organization, the East Hawaii Community Development Corporation, a tax exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, is striving to provide short-term and long-term solutions to food safety and food security issues, including research and development on a large scale and establishing a modern food-safety certified facility offering food processing, distribution, technology, and education; and
WHEREAS, the State of Hawaii and the United States face an economic downturn that has created challenges to providing adequate funding for programs addressing food safety and food security; now, therefore;
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-seventh Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2013, the House of Representatives concurring, that this body supports efforts by non-governmental organizations to develop opportunities and solutions with local agricultural producers and value-added food processors to enhance food safety and food security practices; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture; Director of Health; Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; and Director of Human Services.
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OFFERED BY: |
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Food Safety and Security; Department of Agriculture; Department of Health; Director of Human Services; Non-Governmental Organizations