Food Security
Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative agriculture presents an opportunity for Maui County to address pressing environmental and economic challenges while fostering a more sustainable future. By focusing on soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience, regenerative farming practices can revitalize Maui’s agricultural lands, improve food security, and combat climate change.
At its core, regenerative agriculture enhances soil fertility through crop rotation, cover cropping, and no-till farming, which reduce erosion and increase organic matter. Healthier soils capture and store more carbon, contributing to efforts to mitigate climate change. By improving water retention and reducing runoff, these practices also protect precious water resources and reduce the risk of flooding.
Moreover, regenerative agriculture supports a more diverse array of plant and animal life, contributing to the overall health of our ecosystems. It encourages crop and livestock diversity, which can increase resilience to pests and diseases, reducing the need for harmful chemical inputs. This approach not only benefits the environment but also improves the quality and nutritional value of the food produced.
Economically, regenerative agriculture offers promising opportunities for Maui’s farmers. Healthier soils and ecosystems can lead to increased productivity and reduced input costs. Additionally, consumers are increasingly seeking sustainably produced food, providing market opportunities for regenerative farms.
By adopting regenerative agriculture, Maui County can lead the way in creating a sustainable and resilient agricultural system, benefiting our land, farmers, and future generations.
New legislation I would support
Title: Maui County Food Hub Development and Support Act
Objective: To enhance food security, support local farmers, and promote sustainable agriculture by providing increased funding and resources for food hubs in Maui County.
Overview: This legislation aims to allocate additional funding for the establishment, expansion, and operation of food hubs throughout Maui County. Food hubs act as centralized facilities that aggregate, distribute, and market locally produced food products, making it easier for small farmers to reach consumers, businesses, and institutions.
Key Provisions:
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Funding Allocation:
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Designate $5 million annually from the county budget to support food hub initiatives.
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Funding will be used for infrastructure development, operational costs, and capacity-building activities.
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Grant and Loan Programs:
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Establish a grant program to provide financial assistance to new and existing food hubs for facility upgrades, equipment purchases, and technology integration.
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Create a low-interest loan program to assist food hubs in scaling their operations and ensuring long-term sustainability.
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Technical Support and Training:
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Partner with local agricultural organizations, universities, and extension services to offer training in food safety, business management, and sustainable practices.
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Provide technical support for developing efficient supply chains and marketing strategies.
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Partnerships and Incentives:
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Encourage partnerships between food hubs, schools, hospitals, and other local institutions to increase the purchase of locally produced food.
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Offer tax incentives to businesses that collaborate with food hubs and prioritize local sourcing.
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Monitoring and Evaluation:
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Establish a committee to oversee the implementation of the legislation, ensuring funds are effectively utilized and goals are met.
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Require annual reports on the impact of the food hub funding, including metrics on local food distribution, economic benefits to local farmers, and community accessibility.
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Expected Outcomes:
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Increased access to fresh, locally-produced food for Maui’s residents.
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Strengthened economic opportunities for small and mid-sized farmers.
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Enhanced sustainability of Maui’s agricultural sector.
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Fostered community connections and support for local agriculture.
By passing the Maui County Food Hub Development and Support Act, the County Council will take a significant step towards ensuring food security, supporting local farmers, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices on the island.