The bill mandates the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to partner with local entities to provide training and technical assistance for achieving USDA Harmonized GAP certification. For small- and medium-sized farms, defined as those with annual food sales of $500,000 or less, this assistance will help them overcome barriers related to the costs and complexities associated with food safety regulations. Moreover, with an increasing demand for food safety certifications in local markets, the bill aims to facilitate a smoother transition for these farms into compliant operations, ultimately enhancing food security throughout the state.
SB2975 is aimed at enhancing food safety in Hawaii by establishing a pilot program designed to assist small- to medium-sized farms in obtaining Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification. The legislation recognizes the unique challenges Hawaii faces due to its geographical isolation, noting that the state imports approximately 92% of its food. By enabling local farms to comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act and increasing their certification rates, the bill seeks to bolster local food production and reduce dependency on imported food. This could have significant economic benefits, potentially keeping hundreds of millions within the local economy and creating thousands of jobs.
Despite its positive objectives, there are points of contention surrounding SB2975, particularly regarding the allocation of state resources and the prioritization of agricultural development. Critics may argue that the emphasis on certification could detract from immediate support needs that farms face, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are concerns over whether the pilot program will adequately address the diversity of small farms in Hawaii and whether it will effectively provide the necessary training to achieve the desired outcomes in food safety and production.
Overall, SB2975 represents a significant legislative effort to improve the food safety landscape in Hawaii by fostering local agricultural practices and resilience. As the state works to navigate its unique challenges related to food production and safety, this bill could serve as a pivotal step toward a more self-sufficient and secure food system.