Support Farmer Equity!
Fixing Hawaiʻi’s broken food system and increasing our local food security is complex. That is why we are supporting SB2673 (farmers equity), which addresses various facets of the problem.
On Monday, the Senate Committee on Agriculture and the Environment will be hearing SB2673 on Monday, February 7, 2022 @ 1 PM. Please submit testimony in support of this bill. Testimonies are due by Sunday, February 6, 2022 @ 1 PM via the Hawaiʻi State Capitol Portal. (Please see below for further details on how to testify remotely)
About the Bill
SB2673 (Farmer Equity)
What Does This Bill Do?
SB2673 enhances farmer equity by ensuring inclusion of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in the development, implementation, and enforcement of food and agriculture laws, rules, policies, and programs.
Why is This Bill Important?
The historical and ongoing dispossession of Kānaka Maoli has greatly impacted their access to land and other resources. This has created ongoing barriers for Kānaka Maoli farmers.
Historically, immigrant farmers and farmers of color have also been deprived of equitable access to land and other farming necessities in Hawaiʻi.
Female farmers represent an estimated 36% of all farmers referenced as primary producers in the State. Only 25% of Hawaiʻi farmers referenced as principal producers are women of color. (Source: 2017 Census of Agriculture)
Existing federal agricultural policies have failed to provide sufficient technical and financial support for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
Additional Resources
Learn about how farmers in California are fighting for equity
What You Can Do
Please submit testimony in support of this bill. Testimonies are due by Sunday, February 6, 2022 @ 1 PM via the Hawaiʻi State Capitol Portal.
Share this call to action on your social media channels and spread the word! There is more power in numbers.
(Click here for full legislative website guide)
Thank you for standing alongside us to fight for a more just Hawaiʻi!
Before you go, take a look at this update we have on some food & agriculture bills we’re tracking that have passed their first hearing.
BILL UPDATE
Bills We Support That Passed their First Hearing
SB2218: Food Hubs (Unamended)
SB2509: GE Tax for GE Crops (Unamended)
SB2955: Composting (Unamended)
SB2982: Food Hubs (Unamended)
HB1844: Farm to School Position UH (Unamended)
HB1864: Farm to School (With amendments)
Bills We Oppose That Passed their First Hearing
SB2473: ADC & Economic Development (With amendments)
