Farm Kitchens Are the Missing Link to Stronger Local Food Systems
As we’re witnessing farmers and producers across Hawaiʻi impacted by recent flooding and ongoing systems failures, it’s becoming even clearer how much stronger support our local food systems need right now.
When less than 1% of the state budget goes towards agriculture, expanding protection from bureaucratic red tape and supporting funding streams to help farmers and value-added producers adapt to and recover from climate impacts like these is more important than ever.
Supporting legislative bills that invest in regenerative and resilient food systems is one meaningful way to respond. These investments help strengthen local food security, support our agricultural communities, and care for the ongoing stewardship between ʻāina, wai, and the people of Hawaiʻi.
For those looking to support or learn more, here are a few helpful resources that we use for knowledge and pathways to get involved:
Submit written testimony in support of regenerative agriculture and climate resilience funding:
Submit your testimony using this template to cut and paste below then click this link to submit: Measure Status Details for SB 3302
Testimony in Support of SB3302 SD1 – Relating to Homemade Food Products
Aloha Chair and Members of the House Committee on Health,
I am writing in strong support of SB3302 SD1, which expands opportunities for small-scale producers and clarifies pathways for farm kitchens to participate more fully in Hawaiʻi’s local food system.
Homemade food product operations provide important opportunities for farmers to create value-added products while maintaining appropriate public health protections. Many small farms already prepare these products in kitchens located on their farms. Allowing farm kitchens to operate under the same rules as home kitchens is a practical step that supports local food production and rural entrepreneurship.
As production costs continue to rise, the ability to convert off-grade or surplus crops into shelf-stable products helps farmers reduce waste, diversify income, and improve farm viability. I especially support the clarification that farm kitchens should not be regulated more stringently than home kitchens or required to obtain a commercial food establishment permit solely due to their location on agricultural land.
Because only non-potentially hazardous, shelf-stable foods are allowed under cottage food rules, this measure appropriately balances food safety with economic opportunity.
SB3302 SD1 strengthens local farms, supports value-added production, and helps expand access to locally produced foods across Hawaiʻi 🌱
For these reasons, I respectfully urge your support.
Mahalo for the opportunity to provide testimony.
Mahalo to The law firm helping us on the farm kitchens legislation supporting agricultural value-added foods. These lawyer’s mission is to end widespread abuses of government power and secure the constitutional rights that allow all Americans to pursue their dreams.
Food and Agricultural Resources: (will be adding more with suggestions)
- FAIR & SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS | Support Local Food Solutions — HAPA: Hawai'i Alliance for Progressive Action
- Slow Food - Good, Clean and Fair Food for All
- Hawaii Policy Research | Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
- What Is Biodynamics? | Biodynamic Association