Relating To Agricultural Statistics.
If enacted, HB1393 will amend Chapter 148 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, establishing a robust agricultural statistics program. The department of agriculture will be tasked with collecting, analyzing, and reporting vital statistics on various agricultural activities, such as crop and livestock losses, agricultural theft, and producer expansion. This modernization is aimed at fulfilling obligations under agreements with federal agencies and ensuring better decision-making in the agricultural sector. The anticipated outcomes include improved market access for producers and enhanced economic stability for the agricultural community in Hawaii.
House Bill 1393 focuses on revitalizing and enhancing Hawaii's agricultural statistics program to better serve producers and policymakers through modernized data collection methods. This bill recognizes the importance of agriculture in the state and addresses the historical challenges related to the availability and accuracy of agricultural data. By leveraging electronic data collection, the act will include comprehensive insights into the movement, production, and sales of agricultural products both intrastate and inter-island, which is crucial for strategic planning in the agricultural sector.
The sentiment around HB1393 appears positive, as it aligns with the broader 'Go B.I.G. for Agriculture' initiative aimed at promoting local products and supporting agricultural growth in Hawaii. Stakeholders, including agricultural organizations and producers, have expressed support for the bill, seeing it as a necessary step to advance the industry and tackle key economic challenges. However, the emphasis on confidential data collection may also raise concerns among some stakeholders about potential misuse or lack of transparency in how data is utilized.
A notable point of contention surrounding HB1393 is the confidentiality of the data collected under the proposed program. While the bill clearly states that collected information will remain confidential and not subject to disclosure, there are concerns that this may limit public access to critical data that could guide other local agricultural initiatives. Additionally, discussions have touched on the need for collaboration with various stakeholders, including producers and educational institutions, to ensure the effective implementation of the program and the accuracy of the data collected, which may also lead to differing opinions on the best approaches to achieve these goals.