Urging The Department Of Agriculture To Assist Coffee Farmers In Purchasing Organic Fertilizer To Prevent Coffee Leaf Rust.
Impact
One of the resolution's pivotal points lies in its call for the Department of Agriculture to extend financial and logistical assistance to coffee farmers, particularly in purchasing organic fertilizers. Current programs, such as the pesticide subsidy established by prior legislative acts, do not adequately address the need for fertilizers, which are essential for coffee tree health. By advocating for this assistance, HCR92 highlights a gap in existing agricultural support and pushes for changes that could help bolster the resilience of the coffee industry against the impacts of diseases.
Summary
HCR92 is a House Concurrent Resolution that urges the Department of Agriculture to assist coffee farmers in purchasing organic fertilizer to combat coffee leaf rust. Coffee is a significant agricultural product in Hawaii, and its viability is threatened by this disease, which was first detected in the state in 2020. The resolution emphasizes the importance of organic fertilizers in maintaining the trees' health, which in turn reduces reliance on chemical pesticides. As the spread of coffee leaf rust can severely affect coffee yields, supporting farmers in maintaining healthy trees is deemed crucial for the industry.
Contention
While the resolution was passed unanimously by the Senate Agriculture and Environment committee, discussions around its implementation may highlight contention regarding the allocation of state agricultural resources. The reliance on organic methods, albeit beneficial for health and sustainability, might raise questions among stakeholders about the costs and availability of such fertilizers. Moreover, the resolution invites further scrutiny on the effectiveness of current pest management programs and the need for comprehensive strategies to support food security and agricultural sustainability in Hawaii.
Requesting That The Department Of Agriculture Convene An Advisory Commission To Address Certain Issues To Guide Action And Progress In The Agriculture, Aquaculture, And Food Systems Industries Of The State.
Requesting That The Department Of Agriculture Convene An Advisory Commission To Address Certain Issues To Guide Action And Progress In The Agriculture, Aquaculture, And Food Systems Industries Of The State.
Urging The Department Of Agriculture To Establish A Two-year Agricultural Crime Pilot Project To Examine And Assess The Effectiveness Of Prosecuting Agricultural Crime Cases, Including Those Of Agricultural Theft And Agricultural Vandalism, In The City And County Of Honolulu County Of Kauai, And County Of Maui.
Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Plant Pest Control Branch And Plant Quarantine Branch Within The Plant Industry Division Of The Department Of Agriculture.
Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Plant Pest Control Branch And Plant Quarantine Branch Within The Plant Industry Division Of The Department Of Agriculture.
Urging The Department Of Agriculture To Adopt Proposed Amendments To Chapter 4-72, Hawaii Administrative Rules, That Provide Important Authorities For The Department To Prevent The Spread Of Insects, Diseases, And Other Invasive Pests Within The State.