The U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Research and Biotechnology held a significant hearing on Thursday, showcasing the unique agricultural landscape of Hawaii.
Rep. Jill Tokuda, D-Hawaii, made her debut as the ranking member, emphasizing the critical challenges agricultural producers face due to changing climate conditions.
Nicole Galase, managing director of the Hawaii Cattleman’s Council, provided testimony that marked a pivotal moment as she became the first Hawaii-based expert to speak before the influential subcommittee.
Galase’s testimony centered on the alarming decline of pasture lands in Hawaii, which poses serious threats to food security and agricultural production.
“In Hawaii, like many other states, we face a decline in pasture lands,” Galase stated, highlighting the direct correlation between losing natural resources and the weakening of local agriculture.
She emphasized the essential goal of keeping grasslands green, stating, “Since our livelihood is made on the land, resource stewardship not only makes good environmental sense, it is economically fundamental.”
Furthermore, Galase urged the importance of prioritizing robust voluntary conservation programs, advocating for flexibility and locally led decision-making to effectively address specific agricultural challenges.
Her testimony underscored the need for federal support, showcasing successful programs like the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and its Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
Galase cited the success of a Hawaii rancher who, through EQIP, was able to implement cross-fencing for improved rotational grazing.
This initiative allowed the rancher to double his herd size while enhancing soil quality, showcasing how tailored conservation efforts can yield positive results.
“NRCS was designed to function as a locally led federal agency,” Galase remarked, noting that local knowledge is crucial in addressing conservation challenges effectively.
She stressed that understanding local ecosystems enables stakeholders to allocate resources judiciously, minimizing costly errors often associated with programs imposed without regional consideration.
In her opening remarks, Tokuda echoed these sentiments, calling for a bipartisan approach to support agricultural producers facing unprecedented challenges.
“The weather isn’t what it used to be,” she stated, underscoring the reality of climate change impacts experienced by farmers and ranchers nationwide.
Tokuda highlighted the challenges posed by longer droughts, extreme weather, and unpredictable seasonal shifts that make agriculture increasingly difficult.
She emphasized that these issues transcend partisan boundaries, stating, “This is not about left or right. It’s about forward.”
Regardless of political affiliation, Tokuda called for access to conservation tools that enhance resiliency and secure agricultural operations, as the livelihoods of producers and the nation’s food supply depend on it.
As the hearing concluded, it was clear that the voices from Hawaii are paving the way for vital conversations on agriculture and conservation, illuminating the path forward in addressing the pressing issues faced by farmers in an era of climate change.
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