REQUESTING THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONVENE AN ADVISORY COMMISSION TO ADDRESS CERTAIN ISSUES TO GUIDE ACTION AND PROGRESS IN THE AGRICULTURE, AQUACULTURE, AND FOOD SYSTEMS INDUSTRIES OF THE STATE.

This Senate resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to create an advisory commission focused on improving the state's agriculture, aquaculture, and food systems industries. The commission is tasked with meeting twice a year to discuss challenges such as labor shortages, climate change, water access, and invasive species. Its work will involve ranking priority actions like expanding local food purchasing programs, supporting farm-to-table initiatives, and increasing access to processing facilities. Additionally, the group will review existing regulations to encourage the buying of local agricultural products from state and county entities.