Sunday, November 10, 2013

First Lady Michelle Obama and Epicurious Host Second Recipe Challenge to Promote Healthy Eating Nationwide "The Healthy Lunchtime Challenge" Welcomes Children and Their Parents to Create Healthy Lunch Recipes for an Invite to a Kids' "State Dinner" at the White House New York, NY, April 3, 2013 - With the overwhelming success of the inaugural Healthy Lunchtime Challenge & Kids' "State Dinner" in 2012, First Lady Michelle Obama is again teaming up with Epicurious, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Department of Agriculture to host a nationwide recipe challenge to promote healthy eating among America's youth. "Last year's Kids State dinner was one of my favorite events we've ever done for Let's Move! because it perfectly captured how young people, parents, community leaders and businesses can come together for innovative, healthy solutions," said First Lady Michelle Obama. "Last year's young chefs impressed and inspired me with their creativity, and I can't wait to welcome a whole new group to the White House this summer and taste their creations. So kids, let's get cooking!" The second Healthy Lunchtime Challenge & Kids' "State Dinner" invites parents or guardians and their children, ages 8-12, to create and submit an original lunch recipe that is healthy, affordable, and tasty. In support of Let's Move!, launched by the First Lady to solve the issue of childhood obesity, each recipe must adhere to the guidance that supports USDA's MyPlate (at ChooseMyPlate.gov) to ensure that the criteria of a healthy meal are met. Entries must represent each of the food groups, either in one dish or as parts of a lunch meal, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy foods, with fruits and veggies making up roughly half the plate or recipe. All U.S. states and territories, including Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands, are invited to participate. Fifty-six children and their parent/guardian (one pair from each of the 50 states, plus the U.S. Territories, D.C., and Puerto Rico) will be flown to the nation's capital where they will have the opportunity to attend a Kids' "State Dinner" at the White House this summer, hosted by Mrs. Obama. A selection of the winning healthy recipes will be served. "In order to promote a healthier next generation of Americans, we need to encourage kids to make healthier choices now - which they can carry into adulthood," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "USDA is thrilled to be part of the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge again this year because it inspires kids to use USDA's MyPlate to take a hands-on approach to building healthier meal times." "We know healthy kids are healthy students, and healthy students are better able to engage in the classroom and excel academically," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. "If we can get our children to eat healthier and exercise more, that's a recipe for success. Kids are the best judges of what looks and tastes good, so we're challenging them to create lunches that all their peers will enjoy." "We are thrilled to once again partner with Mrs. Obama, and to champion her Let's Move! initiative, in an effort to raise awareness for the importance of healthy eating among kids," said Tanya Steel, editor-in-chief of Epicurious. "Through 'The Healthy Lunchtime Challenge,' we will, for the second year, create a call to action for kids, highlighting the importance of healthy meals. This initiative will continue to make a positive impact on the way our children eat, and will reinforce that meals, especially school lunches, can be delicious and nutritious." The winning recipes will be chosen by a panel of judges, including Tanya Steel, Let's Move! Executive Director Sam Kass, USDA and U.S. Department of Education representatives, as well as a celebrity chef, to be named. At the conclusion of the Challenge, a free, downloadable and printable e-cookbook featuring the winning recipes, nutritional analysis, photos and drawings, will be available via LetsMove.gov, USDA.gov, Ed.gov and recipechallenge.epicurious.com. The White House Kids' "State Dinner" is currently scheduled to take place in July or August 2013. Recipes can be submitted April 3 through May 12, online at recipechallenge.epicurious.com, or via mail at "The Healthy Lunchtime Challenge c/o Epicurious.com," 1166 Avenue of the Americas, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10036. Winners will be notified at the end of June. For more information and contest rules visit recipechallenge.epicurious.com.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Testimony needed : Oppose HB252, SD1 – Spread the word urgently!

Testimony needed : Oppose HB252, SD1 – Spread the word urgently! To those concerned about land use planning and geothermal permitting, and violation of fair, open procedures in the public process of legislating.HB 252 SD1 was originally an unrelated bill about Hawaiian Roll Commission. At the last committee for this bill ( Tourism and Hawaiian Affairs), Language was inserted at last minute, (basically all of HB932) which was rejected by 2 subject matter committees.This insertion was without any public notice!!! No opportunity to provide testimony. Subject matter committees were bypassed.Inserted language redefines geothermal, streamlines permitting process, provides for a “Special Land and Development” fund, and opens up all land use designation for geo development. Next stop is a floor vote on Thursday by ALL senators. We need testimony to EACH senator calling this an outrage, on the level of the PLDC subversion of due process. Please address to each Senator individually (when they see “ ALLSENATORS” it has much less impact). Mahalo, Senator Russell E Ruderman Hawaii State Senate senruderman@capitol.hawaii.gov 808-586-6890 Toll free from the Big Island (808) 974-4000 ext. 6-6890 415 S. Beretania St. Room 217 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

Monday, April 8, 2013

The Straight Poop on Sustainable Farming

http://youtu.be/C_MRYSA5q1E

The Straight Poop on Sustainable Farming

Sunday, April 7, 2013

2013 Value-Added Agricultural Product Manufacturing Grant

Agribusiness Incubator Program 2013 Value-Added Agricultural Product Manufacturing Grant Application Deadline: May 3, 2013, 4:00 p.m. Contact Information: Agribusiness Incubator Program Email: agincubator@ctahr.hawaii.edu Telephone: 808-956-3530 Fax: 808-956-3547 Need: Many of Hawaii’s agricultural producers would be able to enhance the viability of their operations by producing value-added agricultural products (typically processed food). However, new potential food processors and manufacturers in Hawaii face considerable obstacles due to the lack of contract manufacturing capacity in the state combined with the high cost of transportation. The option for those desiring to produce processed food products is typically to begin manufacturing themselves on a small scale, which requires expertise and capital that they often do not possess. Objective/Funding: To assist existing or potential food manufacturers, especially those of value-added agricultural products, with equipment and guidance that will facilitate startup/growth. Approximately $27,000 will be awarded across one or more applicants for the purchase of equipment and/or services detailed in their proposal(s). Eligibility: Hawaii-based companies that manufacture, or intend to manufacture, products containing Hawaii-grown agricultural products. Proposal Process and Requirements: Applicants will develop a proposal using the template supplied below. Proposal shall use 12-point font, have 1” margins, and not exceed 4 pages. Proposal will be submitted via email to the address listed above by the deadline listed above. Proposals meeting the above requirements will be reviewed by AIP and scored by the Evaluation Criteria below. AIP may, at their discretion, communicate with applicants to seek clarification on any portion of the applications. Applicants whose proposals are not selected for funding will be notified by e-mail by 5/24/2013. Applicants whose proposals are selected for funding (awardees) will be notified by e-mail by 5/24/2013, and schedule an initial meeting with AIP by 6/7/2013. AIP will work with awardees to develop mini-business plans and procure proposed equipment/services by 8/2/2013. Awardees will supply progress and impact information to AIP relevant to the proposed project by 11/1/2013. Proposal Evaluation Criteria: Potential impact of project on company’s growth – 40% The likelihood and degree to which successful implementation of the project (e.g., purchase and use of proposed equipment) will allow the company to grow. Examples include but are not limited to increasing revenue, reducing costs, and launching product(s). Potential impact of project on Hawaii agriculture – 20% The likelihood and degree to which successful implementation of the project will support and/or increase production of Hawaii agriculture and the viability/success of Hawaii agribusiness(es). Proposed approach – 20% The soundness of the proposed approach, including objectives, timetables, budgets, methodology, and expected outcomes. Relative value of funding – 20% The amount of the requested funds relative to the potential impacts and relative to the amount of matching funds by the applicant (matching not required). Proposal Template: See following 4 pages. Agribusiness Incubator Program 2013 Value-Added Agricultural Product Manufacturing Grant Proposed Project Title: _______________________________________________ Applicant Information Your Name: ________________________________________________________________ Company Name: ____________________________________________________________ Company Address: __________________________________________________________ Primary Phone: ______________ Email:_______________________________________ Website (if any): ____________________________________________________________ Amount Requested: __________________________ Cash Match: ___________________ Narrative Company/owner background Project objective, including planned products and operations Expected impact on Hawaii agriculture Specific plan to achieve objective, including marketing as applicable Permits Will any part of your project require a Federal, State or county permit? If so, what actions you have taken to obtain the required permit(s), and how much time you think the process will take. Are you Food Safety Certified? If not, and you are producing a commercial food product, what is your plan to become certified? Timeline/Budget Please describe each major activity to implement the described project and the estimated cost of that activity, and indicate when it will be started and completed. If you think your project may continue beyond the end of the year, please explain. Activity Cost to Company Cost to Grant Timeframe Example: Purchase SuperMixer model XW-12 and ship to Hawaii $100 $1000 8/2013 – 9/2013 Example: Harvest berries $0 $0 9/2013 – 9/2013 Example: Advertise in Yummy Honolulu $500 $0 11/2013-11/2013 Total “Cash Match” $ $ Total “Amount Requested” Revenue and Expense Last Year (or attach Tax Return or accounting system Income Statement) This year (projected) Next year (projected) Notes Revenue Product/service 1 (specify) Product/service 2 (specify) Other revenue 1 (specify) Other revenue 2 (specify) Total Revenue Expenses Sales and marketing Research and development Wages and salaries Outside services Supplies Rent Equipment Repairs and maintenance Utilities and communication Insurance Travel Taxes Other expense 1 (specify) Other expense 2 (specify) Other expense 3 (specify) Other expense 4 (specify) Other expense 5 (specify) Other expense 6 (specify) Other expense 7 (specify) Other expense 8 (specify) Other expense 9 (specify) Other expense 10 (specify) Total Expenses Net Profit I certify that the information on this application is accurate to the best of my knowledge and that details may be audited for verification. _________________________ ____________________________ ______________ Printed Name Signature Date

Monday, April 1, 2013

Peoples Garden of the Hawaiian Nation at Kamehameha Statue in Hilo

Organic 101: Almost 25,000 Certified Operations at Your Fingertips

Monday, March 25, 2013

Agriculture Secretary And Retired Admiral Call For Improved Child Nutrition

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Surveying America’s Farmers Online – An Innovation in Collecting Ag Stats

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

State Senators Reversed Themselves GMO LABEL Bill

State senators reversed themselves today and announced they will hold a hearing on a bill that would require the labeling of genetically modified produce imported to Hawaii.

Senators had previously indicated they would not hear House Bill 174, which state Attorney General David Louie has said that if passed by the Legislature would likely be struck down by the federal courts as unconstitutional. The federal government has jurisdiction over food labeling.

Sen. Clarence Nishihara, the chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said senators are responding to public pressure from environmental and anti-GMO activists who have demanded a hearing. After a lengthy private caucus among senators today, Nishihara said he believed the consensus among senators was to schedule a hearing.

The Senate agreed to waive its internal 72-hour public notice requirement to hold a hearing on the bill at 9 a.m. Thursday.

Senators agreed to make Nishihara's committee the lead on the bill in conjunction with the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee and the Senate Health Committee. The Senate Health Committee had previously been the lead committee. If the bill clears the three committees on Thursday, it would go before the Senate Ways and Means Committee before the full Senate. Previously, the bill would have gone to the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee. Sen. Clayton Hee, the Judiciary committee's chairman, had waived off jurisdiction Monday in the hopes of keeping the bill alive.

House lawmakers who approved the bill earlier this month acknowledged that it was flawed but hope the legislation can be perfected before the session ends in May.

Residents lobby for labeling of genetically modified foods

GMO-label bill faulty, state says

Sunday, March 17, 2013

What Is That Circle Around Us? Richard Ha!

What Is That Circle Around Us?

Richard Ha writes:

A bunch of things are happening right now. They look very different, but see if you notice what they all have in common.

We are just seeing the tomatoes start to produce more in spite of the dark, wet weather. It’s the third week of February; and last year, too, our tomatoes’ rate of production started climbing in the third week of February. That gives me a good feeling, because I’d been looking around and anticipating this.

All around I see growth. Avocado trees everywhere are choke with flowers right now. The ‘ulu are starting to develop on the tree; the ones I’m watching are about baseball size right now. Everything’s growing and producing around us.

We spent Saturday in Kona at a get-together for Armstrong Produce and its farmers. We stayed there for several hours, talking story with everybody.

I was sitting next to Timothy Choo, a chef from Sodexho, which does food service for UH Hilo. Sodexho is a huge supporter of local products, they go out of their way to buy locally, and we had a big conversation about it. Sodexho is supplied by Suisan, also a big supporter of local products.

I was also talking to Troy Keolanui, manager of OK Farms. Ed Olson owns that farm, 200 acres of many kinds of fruit and other trees, and we help distribute their produce under our Hilo Coast brand.
They are located behind Rainbow Falls, and they have a tent, with chairs in it, where they can sit and look at the falls. They purposely set it up behind some bushes so it doesn't disrupt the more common view of Rainbow Falls, the one that tourists look at every day.

Then we drove back to this side of the island and went straight to Puna. Chef Alan Wong was there, and he was throwing a small dinner for the farmers he buys from here.

Alan Wong and I started talking about the Adopt-A-Class project. I said, “Why don’t we do a broader Adopt-A-Class project this time, in Puna. We’ll take the whole district and go to each of the schools there, including the charter schools. Everywhere there are elementary school kids.”

He’s into it. When we did this in the past, Alan Wong gave a class at Keaukaha Elementary School where he showed the kids how to use tomatoes, and passed tomatoes around and had some of those kids eating, and loving, tomatoes.

Then yesterday, the folks from Zippy’s came by the farm. They’re going to open up a restaurant at Prince Kuhio Plaza soon and we’ll be supplying some of their products. Zippy’s has a strong “support local” program. When you go into any Zippy’s restaurant, you always see signs about which farms they get some of their products from. Zippy's also uses local beef. It’s a corporate decision to support local growers.

Do you see the common link among all these things? Everybody’s coming at it from a different point-of-view, but the common denominator is that we are so lucky to live here in Hawai‘i!

It’s all about local food and making ourselves food-secure. Our tomatoes are thriving and plentiful; where else in the country can you grow tomatoes throughout the winter? Other food is growing all around us.

Armstrong Produce distributes the products of many local farmers and producers. So does Suisan. Sodexo buy that local food.

And Alan Wong, too, is very interested in supporting local farmers and teaching local school kids. He’s very aware of the movement to be self-sustaining and is always reaching out to teach kids about where they come from, how their parents used to live and how we can live now. He’s all about helping people be grounded, and he comes at it with the training of a very high-level chef.

People are really helping each other out. Everybody has to make money, but they're looking after the next person in the chain. If you're the farmer, you're hoping that your wholesaler is caring about you and not just the retailers. Everybody is look after everybody else.
It's the only way I can figure out that we can help our own workers. Because, of everyone, who's going to protect the workers? I've got to do everything I can to protect them.

There’s a big circle of sustainability around us, and it’s one that’s getting bigger and bigger. It’s really incredible, though it’s easy to get caught up in our busy lives and forget to notice.

Friday, March 15, 2013

March in March to EVICT MONSATO

March in March to Evict Monsanto LOCATION: Kamehameha Statue, Hilo 9:30am, March 16th The Island of Hawai`i will be the 3rd of 5 Islands across the state to host a, “March in March to Evict Monsanto,” on Saturday, March 16, 2013. The march encourages Hawai`i residents to support and celebrate food sovereignty and investigate land stewardship practices by landowners such as Kamehameha Schools that is leasing 1,033 acres of land to Monsanto. Hawai’i is the global research lab of the world for genetic engineered organisms (GMOs) testing with over 5,000 open-‐field experiments statewide. This is a free community event for all ages. There will be face-‐painting, a non-‐GMO pot-‐luck, a mini Zumba class with UH Hilo Dance Instructor Kea Kapahua and other island Zumba Instructors, a non-‐ GMO seed exchange, informational tables, and dance troupe-‐ Rebekah Duncan and the Kealakehe Dance Team will all be a part of the event. Participants are invited to signwave at the Kamehameha Statue in Hilo at 9am. At 9:30am we will leave the statue, pass by the Hilo Farmer’s Market, and cross the street to the Mo’oheau Bandstand. Esteemed speakers will speak from 11-‐12pm on issues concerning the growing of genetically modified crops and the impact they have upon the `aina. Food sovereignty activist Walter Ritte, Senator Russell Ruderman-‐ owner of Island Naturals, and UH Manoa professor of agriculture Dr. Hector Valenzuela will speak. Lono Kanaka'ole Trio, Darryl Castillo, and Chris Berry and Friends will be playing music. We invite the community to participate in the march and rally to show solidarity for a future free from genetically engineered crops growing on the islands by Monsanto, Dow, Dupont/Pioneer and Syngenta. All of these crops are shipped off island, most of which are for animal feed and research. Also, these companies do not pay taxes on these exports. These open fields near schools and communities are doused regularly with large quantities of toxic industrial chemicals, some of which are banned in Europe. The event is free and open to the public. March in March to Evict Monsanto is the vision of the Hawai’i GMO Justice Coalition and Professional Surfer and MMA fighter Dustin Barca. Sponsored in part by the Sierra Club-‐ Moku Loa Group, Know Your Farmer Alliance, Kailani Pool Service, Island Naturals, Da Hui, Kulture Tattoo, Food Democracy Now, Babes Against Biotech, and Millions Against Monsanto. This event is highlighting the film created by the Hawai’i GMO Justice Coalition addressing the impact of genetic engineering in Hawai`I; Stop Monsanto From Poisoning Hawaii: Genetic Engineering Chemical Warfare. The film will be shown at UH Hilo the Wednesday preceding the march on Saturday. 43 minute Film Link: http://youtu.be/uZgrOFjhzdg For more information about the event please contact Kea Kapahua at kristikea@yahoo.com or 808-‐896-‐5622.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

STOP MONSANTO NOW

Funding Renewed for Organic Cost-Share Program

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is currently accepting applications for a new round of organic certification cost-share assistance to organic farmers and organic livestock operators. Renewed federal funding totaling up to $65,000 has been allotted to help Hawaii organic farmers with the cost of organic certification through a cooperative agreement executed between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and HDOA. Click for more information Click for more information Organic farmers and livestock operators are required to have their farms and practices inspected annually and certified by an agent approved by the USDA. The Agricultural Management Assistance Organic Certification Cost-Share Program (AMAOCCSP) allows organic growers to receive reimbursement of up to 75 percent of the cost of this inspection and certification (up to a maximum of $750). The AMAOCCSP program was authorized under the Federal Crop Insurance Act. This is the fifth consecutive year that Hawaii has participated in this program. To receive reimbursement, the date of certification or renewal by a USDA accredited certifying agent must occur between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013. Applications and information are available online at the HDOA website: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/add/md/usda-organic-certification-cost-share-programs/ Unfortunately, USDA did not renew a separate program this year for organic processors/handlers. For information and assistance with the application process, contact: HDOA – Agricultural Development Division Market Development Branch, 1428 S. King Street, Room 214, Honolulu, HI 96814-2512 Phone: (808) 973-9595 Fax: (808) 973-9590 Email: hdoa.md@hawaii.gov About these ads

Monday, March 11, 2013

Join Our Webinars To Find Out How You Can Help Feed Kids During the Summer

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program - Grants and Education

Types Of SARE Grants

. Research & Education Grants
These grants – also known as Chapter 1 for their designation in the enabling legislation – involve a team of scientists, producers, outreach specialists and others using interdisciplinary approaches to address issues related to sustaining agriculture. There is a new format and focus for these grants this year so be sure to carefully read the Call for pre-Proposals. The 2013 Call for pre-Proposals will be issued in April 2012, with pre-proposals due in June 2012. Following scrutiny by a technical review panel of scientists, agency personnel, producers and others, presenters of the best pre-proposals will be asked to submit full proposals, due in November 2012. Full proposals will undergo technical review in January 2013, and the Western SARE Administrative Council will select proposals for funding in March 2013.
2. Professional Development Program Grants
These grants focus on training agricultural professionals to help them spread knowledge about sustainable agriculture concepts and practices. PDP Grants are limited to $75,000. Grants can run for up to three years, with the final year to be focused on project evaluation. The 2013 Call for Proposals will open in April 2012, with proposals due October 2012. Proposals will be reviewed by a technical panel in January 2013, and the Western SARE Administrative Council will select proposals for funding in March 2013.
3. Farmer/Rancher Grants
These one- to three-year grants are conducted by agricultural producers with support and guidance from a technical advisor. Individual farmers or ranchers may apply for up to $15,000, and a group of three or more producers may apply for up to $25,000. Producers typically use their grants to conduct on-site experiments that can improve their operations and the environment and can be shared with other producers. Grant recipients may also focus on marketing and organic production. The 2013 Call for Proposals will open in April 2012, with proposals due in December 2012. A technical review will be held in January 2013, and proposals will be selected for funding in March 2013.
4. Professional + Producer Grants
These one- to three-year grants are similar in concept to the Farmer/Rancher Grants with a few key differences. Instead of a producer serving as the project coordinator, an agricultural professional – Cooperative Extension educator or Natural Resources Conservation Service professional, for example – coordinates the project. A farmer or rancher serves as the project advisor. Applicants can seek up to $50,000 and must have at least five producers involved. The Call for Proposals for Professional + Producer Grants will open in April 2012, with proposals due in December 2012. A technical review will be held in January 2013, and proposals will be selected for funding in March 2013.
5. Graduate Student Grants in Sustainable Agriculture
The Graduate Student Grants provide a maximum of $25,000 and may last for up to two years. These funds are eligible for masters or Ph.D. students enrolled full time (as determined by the institution’s requirements) at accredited colleges or universities in the Western region. The graduate student is eligible for only one grant during his or her graduate program. The PI for these grants is the Major Professor, not the graduate student; however the graduate student is welcome to be the one who applies on-line. Proposals are due in May 2012, after which they are reviewed by a technical review panel in July 2012. The Western SARE Administrative Council selects proposals for funding in August 2012, and award notifications are made that September. The amount of targeted funds for these grants has doubled this year due to the rise in qualified proposals submitted over the years that Western SARE was not able to fund due to budget restraints.

SARE Availible Grants

Available Grants

R & E Cooperative Project

Application Window is Currently Closed
(Open: 08/12/2013 - 11/06/2013)

LOOK FOR UPCOMING RFP

Farmer / Rancher

Application Window is Currently Closed
(Open: 04/15/2013 - 12/04/2013)

Professional + Producer

Application Window is Currently Closed
(Open: 04/15/2013 - 12/04/2013)

Graduate Student

Application Window is Currently Closed
(Open: 04/15/2013 - 05/22/2013)

Professional Development Program

Application Window is Currently Closed
(Open: 04/15/2013 - 10/30/2013)

SARE

Sustainable Agriculture Research And Education

Sustainability is here to stay or we may not be.

Niall Fitgerald
author

www.westernsare.org
wsaregrants.usu.edu
logo

Welcome to Western SARE

SARE - noun (as used in a practical agricultural context)

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
A funding program of USDA
Competitive grants for research and education
The link between agricultural producers and professionals

SARE is a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that functions through competitive grants conducted cooperatively by farmers, ranchers, researchers and other ag professionals to advance farm and ranch systems that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for communities.
Western SARE is located at Utah State University in Logan, Utah and services the Western United States and Island protectorates, thereby being the largest region in the SARE program.
If you have a project or idea that could improve the sustainability of agricultural operations in your sphere of influence, you have come to the right place.

Western Region SARE, Utah State University © 2013
email

Saturday, March 9, 2013

House-Finance-Committee-Approves-23-billion-Budget

http://www.kitv.com/news/politics/House-finance-committee-approves-23-billion-budget/-/8905242/19242222/-/7k2jmx/-/index.html

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

NRCS accepts applications for Conservation Innovation Grants

News Release
Media Contact: Sarah Maxwell 202-720-0693 CIG Information Contact: Gregorio Cruz 703-235-8065 WASHINGTON, February 25, 2013 – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide up to $25 million in grants to help develop and demonstrate cutting-edge ideas to improve conservation on private lands. Conservation Innovation Grants are available for state and local governments, federally recognized Indian Tribes, non-governmental and educational organizations, private businesses and individuals with applications due Friday, March 22. Of particular interest are applications for innovative demonstration partnerships on energy conservation, nutrient management, soil health, wildlife habitat and adaptive management. “These grants are critical for developing and demonstrating out-of-the-box ideas for conservation on America’s private lands and strengthening rural communities,” NRCS Acting Chief Jason Weller said. “They inspire creative problem-solving that boosts the production of our farmers and ranchers and ultimately improves our water, air and soil.” NRCS has offered this grant program since 2004, investing in ways to demonstrate and transfer efficient and environmentally friendly farming and ranching. In the past eight years, the grants have helped develop trading markets for water quality and have shown precise ways to farm that use fertilizer, water and energy more efficiently. The grants are funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and are awarded through a competitive process. At least 50 percent of the total cost of CIG projects must come from non-federal matching funds, including cash and in-kind contributions provided by the grant recipient. For more on this grant opportunity, visit http://go.usa.gov/4Kvx. To apply electronically, visit http://www.grants.gov or contact a local NRCS office. ### USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service helps America’s farmers and ranchers conserve the Nation’s soil, water, air and other natural resources. All programs are voluntary and offer science-based solutions that benefit both the landowner and the environment. Follow NRCS on Twitter. Checkout other conservation-related stories on USDA Blog. Watch videos on NRCS’ YouTube channel. ### USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

SB373 – Direct Farm to Consumer Food Sales

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	373
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to Direct sales from farm to consumer.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the sales of locally produced foods comprise a growing part of agricultural sales in the United States. The United States Department of Agriculture estimates that in 2008, local food sales totaled approximately $4,800,000,000.

The number of small farms in Hawaii has grown substantially during the last ten years, reflecting a changing agricultural model from plantations to smaller farms with diverse cropping and marketing systems that create new sources for agricultural products, including food and value-added products using Hawaii-grown agriculture.

The purpose of this Act is to:

(1) Exempt producers of Hawaii-grown agricultural products from department of health rules if selling unprocessed Hawaii-grown agricultural products directly to consumers; and

(2) Allow producers of value-added products to sell directly to consumers if certain requirements are met.

SECTION 2. Chapter 328, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§328- Hawaii-grown agricultural products; value-added products; exemption (a) Producers of Hawaii-grown agricultural products shall be exempt from department rules if selling unprocessed Hawaii-grown agricultural products directly to consumers.

(b) Producers of value-added products produced using Hawaii-grown agricultural products may sell directly to consumers if the value-added products are processed in a department certified food-processing establishment according to department guidelines."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Hawaii-grown Agricultural Products; Value-added Products; Department of Health

Description:

Exempts producers of unprocessed Hawaii-grown agricultural products from department of health rules if selling unprocessed Hawaii-grown agricultural products directly to consumers. Allows producers of value-added products to sell directly to consumers if certain requirements are met.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

Family Farm Income Tax Break” (SB363)

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	363
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to FARMS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii imports far more goods and services than it exports. Thus, Hawaii has a significant negative trade flow. Hawaii makes up for this negative trade flow by relying on tourism and military expenditures; however, this reliance on external sources of revenue may not be sustainable in the long run.

The legislature also finds that the two largest trade imbalances are in the areas of energy and agriculture. Over the past few years, Hawaii has been addressing its over-reliance on imported fossil fuel. Hawaii needs to address the imbalance in agricultural trade and significantly expand food production in the State.

The legislature further finds that the growth of small, diversified farming businesses will add to and diversify Hawaii's economy and help redress the imbalance in agricultural trade. The State should therefore encourage and support the growth of new, small, and diversified farming businesses by creating a tax exemption on the first $50,000 of income for such businesses. A partial tax exemption for such businesses will not significantly affect existing tax revenue collected by the State, but will strengthen the state economy and improve the long-term economic well-being of the State as a whole.

SECTION 2. Section 235-7, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

"(a) There shall be excluded from gross income, adjusted gross income, and taxable income:

(1) Income not subject to taxation by the State under the Constitution and laws of the United States;

(2) Rights, benefits, and other income exempted from taxation by section 88-91, having to do with the state retirement system, and the rights, benefits, and other income, comparable to the rights, benefits, and other income exempted by section 88-91, under any other public retirement system;

(3) Any compensation received in the form of a pension for past services;

(4) Compensation paid to a patient affected with Hansen's disease employed by the State or the United States in any hospital, settlement, or place for the treatment of Hansen's disease;

(5) Except as otherwise expressly provided, payments made by the United States or this State, under an act of Congress or a law of this State, which by express provision or administrative regulation or interpretation are exempt from both the normal and surtaxes of the United States, even though not so exempted by the Internal Revenue Code itself;

(6) Any income expressly exempted or excluded from the measure of the tax imposed by this chapter by any other law of the State, it being the intent of this chapter not to repeal or supersede any express exemption or exclusion;

(7) Income received by each member of the reserve components of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard of the United States of America, and the Hawaii national guard as compensation for performance of duty, equivalent to pay received for forty-eight drills (equivalent of twelve weekends) and fifteen days of annual duty, at an:

(A) E-1 pay grade after eight years of service; provided that this subparagraph shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2004;

(B) E-2 pay grade after eight years of service; provided that this subparagraph shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2005;

(C) E-3 pay grade after eight years of service; provided that this subparagraph shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006;

(D) E-4 pay grade after eight years of service; provided that this subparagraph shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2007; and

(E) E-5 pay grade after eight years of service; provided that this subparagraph shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008;

(8) Income derived from the operation of ships or aircraft if the income is exempt under the Internal Revenue Code pursuant to the provisions of an income tax treaty or agreement entered into by and between the United States and a foreign country; provided that the tax laws of the local governments of that country reciprocally exempt from the application of all of their net income taxes, the income derived from the operation of ships or aircraft that are documented or registered under the laws of the United States;

(9) The value of legal services provided by a legal service plan to a taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, and the taxpayer's dependents;

(10) Amounts paid, directly or indirectly, by a legal service plan to a taxpayer as payment or reimbursement for the provision of legal services to the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, and the taxpayer's dependents;

(11) Contributions by an employer to a legal service plan for compensation (through insurance or otherwise) to the employer's employees for the costs of legal services incurred by the employer's employees, their spouses, and their dependents;

(12) Amounts received in the form of a monthly surcharge by a utility acting on behalf of an affected utility under section 269-16.3; provided that amounts retained by the acting utility for collection or other costs shall not be included in this exemption;

(13) Amounts received in the form of a cable surcharge by an electric utility company acting on behalf of a certified cable company under section 269-134; provided that any amounts retained by that electric utility company for collection or other costs shall not be included in this exemption; [~~and~~]

(14) One hundred per cent of the gain realized by a fee simple owner from the sale of a leased fee interest in units within a condominium project, cooperative project, or planned unit development to the association of owners under chapter 514A or 514B, or the residential cooperative corporation of the leasehold units.

For purposes of this paragraph:

"Fee simple owner" shall have the same meaning as provided under section 516-1; provided that it shall include legal and equitable owners;

"Legal and equitable owner", and "leased fee interest" shall have the same meanings as provided under section 516-1; and

"Condominium project" and "cooperative project" shall have the same meanings as provided under section 514C-1[.]; and

(15) The first $50,000 of income received by a family farm, family farm community, or family farm cooperative.

For purposes of this paragraph:

"Family farm" means a farm owned or leased by an individual or family receiving more than seventy-five per cent of its annual gross income from food production sold for consumption within the State, whether the food is sold directly to consumers or indirectly through a family farm cooperative.

"Family farm community" means a parcel of land of between five hundred and five thousand acres that is subdivided into individual family farms.

"Family farm cooperative" means an association of family farms within a family farm community created to process or market agricultural produce."

SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act, upon its approval, shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012; provided that the amendments made to section 235-7(a), Hawaii Revised Statutes, by section 2 of this Act shall not be repealed when

that section is reenacted on January 1, 2018, pursuant to section 5 of Act 220, Session Laws of Hawaii 2012.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Economic Diversification; Agriculture; Family Farm; Family Farm Community; Family Farm Cooperative; Tax Exemption

Description:

Creates an income tax exemption on the first $50,000 of income for family farms, family farm communities, and family farm cooperatives.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

S.B. 380 Higher Education; Learning Center; Appropriation

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	380
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to higher education.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the college of agriculture, forestry, and natural resource management of the University of Hawaii at Hilo should pursue a higher education learning center project in the district of Puna, Hawaii. The project will lead to improved employment and entrepreneurial activities in the district. The project will also identify educational and training needs in the district and design a business incubator approach to support job growth in the district. Initial focus will be on outreach to increase agricultural production and processed products for local markets utilizing emerging engineering programs and may be expanded to other training and educational support systems to develop the local workforce and entrepreneurs. This pilot project may serve as a replicable model for higher learning centers that can be extended to other rural areas of the State.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2013-2014 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 for an outreach program under the college of agriculture, forestry, and natural resource management of the University of Hawaii at Hilo utilizing temporary or contract hires to perform a needs assessment for the higher education learning center project described in section 1 of this Act that includes an assessment of the existing educational resources and facilities that can be networked to provide educational and training options.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2013.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title: Higher Education; Learning Center; Appropriation Description: Provides funding for an outreach program to conduct a needs assessment for a potential learning center project in Puna under the college of agriculture, forestry, and natural resource management of the University of Hawaii at Hilo. The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

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