Richard Ha writes:
If the farmers make money, the farmers will farm.
Mahalo to Governor Abercrombie, Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, Agriculture Chairpersons Senator Nishihara and Representative Tsuji, and to legislators who recognize that farmers have to make money in order to keep farming.
Hawaii Governor signs local farming bills, includes puuhonua
June 17, 2012 | Government & Politics, State News
FRIDAY, July 15, 2012 – Governor Neil Abercrombie today signed a number of measures into law including two bills that are aimed to benefit local farmers who want to sell their products and/or establish agricultural-based commercial operations.
Senate Bill 2375 authorizes agricultural-based commercial operations in agricultural districts which will increase our farmers’ability to sell their products and promote food sustainability for the islands. Senate Bill 2646 is intended to promote and support diversified agriculture by exempting certain nonresidential agricultural buildings that are on commercial farms from county building permit requirements.
“To truly support our local farmers we must empower them,”said Governor Abercrombie. “These measures not only provide for that to take place but it also promotes diversified agriculture. I want to thank the Legislature for recognizing the importance of helping our farmers.”
Senator Donovan Dela Cruz who introduced SB 2375 stated, “Farmers are being forced to diversify their products in order to make ends meet while continuing to provide local food for the community. This bill allows for additional opportunities for them to create revenue.”
Read the rest of the article, including several other ag-related measures Governor Abercrombie signed into law.