HB858

Establishes an agricultural statistics program to improve data collection and analysis for Hawaii's agricultural sector.

This bill establishes an agricultural statistics program within the Department of Agriculture to enhance data collection, analysis, and reporting on Hawaii's agricultural sector. It aims to provide producers and policymakers with essential data for decision-making and strategic planning. The program will focus on collecting data on intra- and inter-island production, distribution, and sale of select agricultural products, and will develop electronic systems for data capture and analysis. The bill also appropriates funds for staffing, office space, equipment, and contracted specialty surveys.