Hawaii Senate Bill SR170

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Refer: 3/31/23
• Report Pass: 4/4/23
• Passed: 4/5/23

Caption

Urging The Department Of Education And Hawaii Association Of Independent Schools To Expand The Revitalization Of The Future Farmers Of America And 4-h Youth Programs To Support Pathways To Agriculture Careers In Hawaii.

Impact

Hawaii faces significant vulnerability regarding food security, as it imports over eighty-five percent of its food. In response, the state is shifting policies towards agricultural self-sufficiency, recognizing that this requires nurturing the local farming community. The proposed expansion of FFA and 4-H programs is intended to attract young people to the agricultural sector by providing them with education and hands-on experiences, ultimately aimed at enhancing local production capabilities and reducing reliance on imports.

Summary

Senate Resolution 170 urges the Department of Education and the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools to expand the revitalization of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H youth programs. The resolution highlights the necessity of investing in agricultural education to create sustainable pathways for youth careers in agriculture in Hawaii. With agriculture being a critical sector for food security, improving educational programs is central to forming a new generation of local farmers and ranchers who can address the pressing agricultural needs of the state.

Contention

The resolution emphasizes the existing challenges, including a current shortage of young farmers equipped with the necessary skills to pursue agriculture as a viable career. Furthermore, it points out that many agriculture-related positions in local companies often go unfilled as they must look outside the state for qualified candidates. Addressing this issue through enhanced educational pathways forms the crux of the discussions surrounding SR170, as advocates believe it's essential for fostering interest and skill development in agriculture among the youth.