2 days Ago By Erin Collins
Hawaii’s Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke recently led a delegation to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.
C., to emphasize the importance of the state’s agricultural sector. According to a press release from the Lt.
Governor's office, the visit aimed to strengthen partnerships at the federal level."We need to continuously strengthen local food production and support our agriculture community," Lt. Gov.
Luke expressed, understanding the vital nature of identifying opportunities for collaboration with the USDA to resource the industry efficiently and effectively, during the 2nd Annual Hawaiʻi-USDA Policy Summit that marked the first state delegation to meet with newly appointed U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, the visit reflected a collective push toward fortifying an agricultural sector that faces geographic isolation alongside unique challenges.
In discussions with Secretary Rollins, a sentiment of ensuring Hawaii's agricultural industry was well-supported emanated, with Rollins underscoring her aim to "put our farmers first and working to lift burdensome regulatory barriers." The delegation, which included state officials, business leaders, and community champions, engaged with multiple USDA agencies such as the Agricultural Research Service and the Farm Service Agency, exploring opportunities to better address Hawaii's particular agricultural needs.According to Darren Strand, President of Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, there was gratitude toward Lt.
Gov Luke for her "foresight and creativity in putting this delegation together," a sentiment echoed by other participants who recognized the delegation as a crucial step in aligning federal support with the state's unique agricultural circumstances, emphasizing this during meetings with national industry associations like the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, where they highlighted critical issues such as biosecurity and truth in labeling.Adding to the chorus of voices advocating for Hawaii's agricultural needs, Nicole Galase, Managing Director of the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, stressed the importance of such gatherings, saying, "We have learned that when you show up, you show how serious you are about advocating for your needs." The Policy Summit served as a platform for local farmers, ranchers, and advocates to assert the essential role of Hawaii's agricultural production for communities statewide.
Highlights from the event, as well as photos of the delegation at the USDA headquarters, are available for public viewing, provided courtesy of both the USDA and the Office of Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke..
