WASHINGTON — An unprecedented, all-hands mobilization by Hawaii agriculture leaders at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. this month has yielded several new policy priorities, according to Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke.
Luke and Hawaii Department of Agriculture chair Sharon Hurd led a delegation of 30 representatives from the state Legislature, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association and Synergistic Hawaii Agricultural Council plus farmers, ranchers and other advocates on a mission to strengthen the relationship between the state’s agriculture industry and the USDA at the first Hawaii-USDA Policy Summit.
“This visit was an important convening to maximize USDA resources, identify opportunities for federal grants and funding, and exchange information about our agricultural landscape to the top level of the USDA,” said Luke in a statement released on Monday.
Luke said the conversations between the local agriculture community and USDA officials on May 14 and 15 allowed the delegation to engage with USDA agencies and convey the role the local industry plays in ensuring Hawaii’s food security and sustainability.
During the two-day summit, the delegation met directly with agriculture secretary Tim Vilsack, as well as with key undersecretaries, assistant secretaries and other USDA officials.
“USDA was honored to welcome the Hawaii delegation to the Whitten Building to celebrate the diverse and essential contributions of Hawaii agriculture and discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by the state’s producers and rural communities,” Vilsack said in a statement released on Monday. “USDA is committed to supporting these producers in doing what they love most — farming the land and helping to produce the food, fuel, and fiber that feeds, shelters, and powers our nation and the world. Through our ongoing work to increase economic opportunities and revenue streams for producers and build prosperity in Hawaii and across the country, we will continue to do so.”
HFB executive director Brian Miyamoto called the summit a historic moment for Hawaii agriculture.
“In my 19 years with the Hawaii Farm Bureau, I have never witnessed such a momentous occasion as when our farmers, ranchers and industry stakeholders met with all the USDA agencies in Washington, D.C.,” he said. “This unprecedented event heralds a new era of opportunity and collaboration for Hawaii’s agriculture.”
Over the course of the summit, the delegation identified several key policy priorities, including rural development and agriculture infrastructure funding, protection of Hawaii’s agricultural brand, grant funding and biosecurity and enforcement.
Delegation members participated in a panel discussion titled “Uniqueness of Hawaii Agriculture,” where they addressed specific challenges and opportunities for the local industry. The summit concluded with the Hawaii Agriculture Showcase at the USDA Whitten Patio on the National Mall, where local farmers, ranchers and producers presented their products and shared personal stories of their agriculture experiences in Hawaii.
“The Hawaii State Constitution says the Department of Agriculture shall conserve and protect Agricultural Lands,” Hurd said. “Meeting with the USDA was so valuable to relay that message and find partnerships to move Hawaii agriculture forward.”
Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.
