Video & Transcript Research : 'farming'

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HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

EDT Public Hearing 02-27-2025

Economic Development and Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Richards, Bri Meoto here on behalf of the Hawaii Farm Bureau.
  • Senator Richards, Bri Meoto here on behalf of the Hawaii Farm Bureau.
  • Next up, Hawaii Farm Bureau. [00:50:52.030] Thank you. Next up, Hawaii Farm Bureau.
  • Senator Richards, Bri Meoto here on behalf of the Hawaii Farm Bureau.
  • Next up, Hawaii Farm Bureau. [00:51:55.190] Thank you. Next up, Hawaii Farm Bureau.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard confirmations for two Hawaii Technology Development Corporation board nominees, Jaclyn Ka and Gregory Oara. Testimony for both was overwhelmingly in support. Supporters for Ka emphasized her Kauaʻi roots, work in workforce development and digital equity, and ability to connect schools, industry, and community needs. In her own remarks, Ka said she wants to bring resources to Kauaʻi and the neighbor islands, strengthen local workforce pathways, and use the HTDC board to help local residents access technology jobs and training. Members questioned Ka about how to reduce reliance on mainland hires for jobs at PMRF and other technology employers, how to better align training with local needs, and how to connect Kauaʻi schools, community college programs, and creative media/digital technology efforts. Ka described KDB’s role in building islandwide digital media and drone clubs, professional development for teachers, and partnerships intended to create a pipeline from school to workforce. She also said the legislature can help mainly by listening and staying informed about local needs. For Oara, supporters highlighted his engineering and semiconductor background, his experience in academia, industry, and startups, and his potential to help HTDC with technology commercialization, IP, and exportable services. Oara said he wants HTDC to better support early-stage companies, improve coordination among universities, government, and the private sector, and create a directory of technical skill sets to connect startups with needed expertise. He also discussed AI, saying Hawaii can contribute by developing smaller, locally relevant models rather than only relying on large-scale data-center infrastructure. The hearing focused on these nominations and testimony; no vote or final committee action was stated in the transcript.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 4/15/26

Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, $20,000 is a huge benefit for anyone seeking farm land.
  • So, ask that um we can keep farm land.
  • <00:12:24.800> land very important, and that's a farm land very important, and that's a farm
  • between wild and farmed cervidae. between wild and farmed cervidae.
  • of what a small family farm would be in Minnesota.
Bills: HF3548
Summary: The Agricultural Finance and Policy Committee met on April 15, 2026, approved the April 13 minutes with a correction to Assistant Commissioner Peter Kesset’s name, and then took up House File 3548. The bill, moved by Chair Anderson for re-referral to Ways and Means, centered on the farmer down payment assistance program and the Department of Agriculture’s budget and policy provisions. Anderson described the DE4 amendment as compromise language that reserved up to 25% of funds for applicants with purchase contracts, removed a proposed marijuana exclusion, and allowed appropriated funds to remain available through June 30, 2030 rather than reverting to the general fund at the end of the biennium. Laura Schreiber of the Land Stewardship Project testified in support, emphasizing the importance of keeping funds available and urging that grants remain capped at $20,000 so more farmers could participate. The committee then adopted several amendments. A23, described as the governor’s budget request and department policy bill, was adopted and included moving the Emerging Farmers Office into the Agricultural Marketing and Development subdivision, combining some reports into the Agri report, and addressing delegated authority with MDA. A17, allowing certain eggs past their quality assurance date to be donated to food shelves under specific handling requirements, was adopted. A18, adjusting per diem rates for certain non-representative committee members, was adopted. A19, shifting about $20,000 to support farm land transition services such as mediation, contracts, financial planning, tax preparation, estate planning, and housing assistance, was also adopted. A22, which combined funding for wolf depredation claims and the local food purchasing program, drew the most debate. Representative Smith questioned why the two items were combined and sought to divide the amendment, but staff said that would be problematic because the funding changes were interdependent. Supporters said the amendment would pay about 80% of wolf-loss claims and add money for local food purchasing, while opponents argued the local food need was greater and the wolf depredation approach was not the best use of funds. The roll call on A22 was confusing in the transcript, but the amendment ultimately prevailed. A21, which would have removed a physical-contact requirement for farm cervidae containment, failed on a 7-7 tie after opponents argued it would weaken disease protections and supporters said the fencing costs were driving deer farmers out of business. Hansen then declined to move A24, which would have advanced a paraquat ban, saying there was no agreement and he did not want a negative vote at that time. After the DE4 as amended was adopted, the committee took a final roll call on House File 3548 as amended. The bill failed on a 6-8 vote and was laid over. In closing, members on both sides said the bill contained useful provisions for farmers, but disagreement over the unresolved paraquat issue prevented the committee from advancing it.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

AEN-HOU, AEN-EIG, AEN Public Hearings 03-18-2026

Agriculture and Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • uh farm worker housing. uh farm worker housing.
  • /c> possible with a a farm a farmer a farm possible with a a farm a farmer a farm operator<00:10:04.840
  • farming in general. farming in general.
  • . farms. farms.
  • <00:14:58.480> uh<00:14:58.600> farm uh situation where farming uh farm uh situation
Bills: HB1736, HB1620, HB1695
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1737, which clarifies allowable uses in agricultural districts for farm dwellings and farm employee housing, and HB 1604 HD2, which creates an agricultural workforce housing working group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Testimony on HB 1737 was overwhelmingly supportive, with county agriculture officials, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Farmers Union backing the measure; one witness asked for a definition of “affordable” to guard against misuse of farm housing. For HB 1604, the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Hawaii Farmers Union, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill, with OHA requesting disaggregated data and a seat on the working group. Committee discussion focused on housing shortages, possible misuse, affordability, and whether innovative housing models such as modular, tiny, and container homes should be considered. The committee then took action on both measures. HB 1737 HD3 was recommended to pass with amendments that would limit farm employee housing to agricultural employees and their immediate family members actively engaged in the farm operation, add a grandfathering provision for existing permitted housing, preserve county zoning authority, clarify that ag tourism must be secondary and not occur in employee housing, delete a square-footage-per-acre ratio, and defer the effective date to July 1, 2050. HB 1604 HD2 was also recommended to pass with amendments adding OHA and a housing-shortage organization to the working group, expanding its scope to include modular, tiny, and container homes and permitting/zoning streamlining, and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. Both motions were adopted unanimously by the members present. The joint hearing then moved to HB 1736, which would establish a spay and neuter special fund and require sterilization and declaration provisions for cats, with some discussion of dogs. DLNR and the Hawaiian Humane Society supported the bill, while Pacific Pet Alliance objected to the broader requirements and the inclusion of dogs; the Hawaiian Humane Society and American Bird Conservancy supported cat-focused sterilization and the special fund, while some testifiers opposed mandatory sterilization as too costly or intrusive. Members raised questions about toxoplasmosis, trap-neuter-release, enforcement, neighbor-island access, and funding needs, and DLNR indicated additional funding and third-party contracting would likely be needed. The transcript then began HB 1620 HD2 on energy, which would increase the environmental response energy and food security tax and shift funds from the hydrogen fueling subaccount to EV charging infrastructure; state agencies generally stood on written testimony in support, while the Tax Foundation objected to special fund earmarks and noted the bill raises only one part of the barrel tax structure.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Wed Mar 4, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • . farming. farming.
  • So if there are buildings on the farms like yurts, pavilions, farm buildings, letting farms keep these
  • So if there are buildings on the farms like yurts, pavilions, farm buildings, letting farms keep these
  • So if there are buildings on the farms like yurts, pavilions, farm buildings, letting farms keep these
  • You know, they say it's a farm, but it's not a farm.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, with most measures drawing either support or comments rather than opposition. HB 2395, relating to taking marine deposits for research, education, management, or propagation, received support from the University of Hawaii and DLNR. HB 2585, relating to agricultural tourism, drew broad support for its intent to keep agritourism secondary to farming, but agencies and farm groups raised concerns about enforcement, county authority, and the rebuttable presumption language. Testifiers included OPSD, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, Hawaii Farm Bureau, a small farm operator, and others, with some urging clearer definitions, simpler registration, and protections for bona fide farms and hosted farm stays. HB 1728, on rainwater catchment systems, was supported in principle by DLNR, which cited drought conditions and said it deferred to counties and the Department of Health on safety and regulation. HB 1881, which would prohibit passenger ropeways on mountain lands, drew strong support from community testifiers who said it would help prevent development disguised as agritourism and protect forests and country lands. HB 1990, establishing penalties and possible foreclosure for unresolved zoning violations, received comments from the Attorney General recommending removal of AG references and more county-centered enforcement, while the Hawaii Association of Realtors warned the 30-day timeline could create problems for absent or unaware homeowners. The committee also heard HB 1712, which would expand and make permanent certain seats on the State Building Code Council. The Plumbers and Fitters union supported the bill, but BIA Hawaii requested amendments to add “licensed contractor” language, and architects and other professionals opposed the measure, arguing that increasing the council from 12 to 15 voting members would make it less efficient and harder to reach quorum. Finally, HB 2151, relating to hempcrete, was supported by a Kauai workforce development advocate and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, who said hempcrete could support agriculture, manufacturing, and affordable housing while reducing carbon and reliance on imported materials. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session - part 2 Apr 24th, 2025

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The agri and farm-to-school institution program.
  • So if you take just our farm income, everything that we made on the farm, and you take the taxes that
  • Over 50% of what we made on our farm goes to taxes.
  • live on the farm.
  • We have about 67,000 farms in Minnesota. The average farm size is about 300... and 79 acres.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Education Finance - 02/12/25

Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Also, I was asked quickly to speak to Farm to School and Farm to Early Care, which is another program
  • Also, I was asked quickly to speak to Farm to School and Farm to Early Care, which is another program
  • We have a number of schools participating in Farm to School that have incorporated local farm learning
  • ... excuse me, Farm to Schools.
  • I am here to talk about Farm to School. I have been farming for over 20 years.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

AGR Public Hearing - Fri Feb 7, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST

Agriculture & Food Systems

Transcript Highlights:
  • Next, we have Hawaii Farm Bureau. Hawaii Farm Bureau. Thank you, Chair.
  • Farm Bureau, thank you, Vice Chair. The Farm Bureau will stand on testimony and support.
  • support Farm support Farm Bureau<00:39:09.240> thank<00:39:09.359> you<00:39:09.480
  • Bureau thank you Vice chair the H Farm Bureau thank you Vice chair the H Farm will<00:39:10.680>
  • Hawaii Farm Bureau, thank you, Vice Chair. The Farm Bureau will start on all righty.
Keywords: 910, house, all
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • over $2 million, three deceased farm over $2 million, three deceased farm animal<00:09:41.040>
  • In this case, they used Farm Credit, and you can see they were approved for $535,000 as Farm Credit.
  • In this case, they used Farm Credit, and you can see they were approved for $535,000 as Farm Credit.
  • /c><00:15:30.880> utilize<00:15:31.199> the farms that uh those farms utilize the farms
  • <00:15:44.480> are are they're interested in farming are are they're interested in farming
Summary: The committee met on September 18, 2025, approved the July 10 minutes, and received Brandon Reid’s monthly report on Kentucky agriculture development and finance activity for July and August. Reid emphasized the long-running structure created under House Bill 611 and Senate Bill 28, the role of county agriculture development councils in all 120 counties, and the importance of the program as a national model for supporting Kentucky agriculture. He also introduced new staff and interns, including a new loan programs manager, Rachel Coward, and project manager Kylie Davis. For July, the development board reported $3.4 million invested in agriculture and the finance corporation reported $3.1 million in loans. Highlights included 11 county council meetings, site visits, program reviews, and 18 project reports. July approvals included county agriculture incentive programs, deceased farm animal removal programs, youth incentive programs, county/state projects, infrastructure loans, an agriculture processing loan, and beginning farmer loans. Staff also noted that all 120 counties had submitted their required five-year comprehensive plans on schedule. Bill McCloskey then highlighted several funded projects, including Dino’s Farm LLC in Jefferson County, which received support to purchase a meat processing facility and equipment, with the goal of creating market opportunities for goat, sheep, and cattle producers and establishing Kentucky’s first halal meat processing facility. Other projects included a veterinarian facility project to address large animal vet shortages and Grow Appalachia at Berea College, which provides technical assistance and market support for small-scale and eastern Kentucky producers. Members discussed the need for programs such as high tunnels and other small-scale opportunities in rural areas, and staff noted related resources such as CAPE and NRCS funding. For August, the board reported $500,000 in development board investments and just over $3 million in finance corporation loans, along with fewer staff activities than July but continued county council, site visit, and project review work. August approvals included county agriculture incentive programs, deceased animal removal programs, youth incentive programs, county/state projects, agriculture infrastructure loans, beginning farmer loans, and a horticulture incentives loan. Additional project updates included another veterinary equipment purchase, emergency safety equipment in Graves County, and a food safety and efficiency incentive for Jared Cornet.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • Our family started our operation four years ago, inspired by my wife's growing up on a farm, as well
  • <00:04:49.240> business participated in a farm business participated in a farm business management
  • Our next testifier is Hunter Peterson, Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation.
  • For the record, Hunter Peterson, Minnesota Farm Bureau.
  • Minnesota Farm Bureau supports funding for the Rural Finance Authority.
Keywords: 1183, house
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Water and Natural Resources Aug 18th, 2025

Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • in their community and farming practices.
  • This is a farm that is on La Mesa, New Mexico.
  • She's a farmer and owner of the Colores Farm.
  • Which farm a buyer wants to buy from.
  • We are able to We are not subsidizing; we are supporting our farming, our historical farming community
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

December 10, 2025 - 03:30 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • TRUTH IS LABOR IS THE NUMBER ONE ISSUE WHEN IT COMES TO FARMS IN FLORIDA ESPECIALLY CROPS PRODUCTION
  • I AM MAYBE AS DOCTOR BOYD MENTIONED ONE OF THOSE AGING FARM OPERATORS.
  • I AM ALWAYS LOOKING FOR YOUNG AND EXCITED INNOVATIVE PEOPLE TO WORK ON THE FARM.
  • IT'S OUT OF OUR CONTROL MUCH OF IT BUT THANK YOU FOR INVITING ME AND AI IS A BIG HELP ON OUR FARM. >>
  • THE SECOND THING IS THE SOFTWARE WE ARE USING TO PROJECT WHAT'S ON THE FARM AND HOW WE MANAGE THE FARM
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

January 14, 2025 - 09:00 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • I was born in Cuba on a farm.
  • And my dad still farms in South Florida out in the Redlands.
  • I grew up on a farm in Fort Lauderdale out west, and I currently live on a farm in Palm Beach Gardens
  • But this industry was built on the backs of family farms and generational farms, and that is the way
  • So our efforts are focused on farming only.
Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Committee met to organize for the session, confirm a quorum, and hear introductory remarks from members about their districts and interests. Chair Esposito outlined the committee’s jurisdiction and budget overview, noting a total budget of about $7.2 billion, with major funding tied to the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Citrus. She also described major cost drivers such as Everglades restoration, water quality, resiliency, land acquisition, and rural family lands, and asked members to review agency requests in small groups later in the process. Agency leaders then presented budget and program updates. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson emphasized department efficiency efforts, including IT modernization, staff reorganization, rural and family lands conservation, best management practices, Fresh From Florida marketing, hurricane recovery loans for farmers, and completion of the Connor Complex headquarters. DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert highlighted record investments in Everglades restoration, water quality projects, resilience grants, land acquisition, state parks, and enforcement. FWC Executive Director Roger Young discussed conservation research, fisheries and wildlife management, law enforcement, disaster response, and pressures from growth, boating, invasive species, and derelict vessels. Department of Citrus Executive Director Shannon Shep reviewed the industry’s decline due to hurricanes and citrus greening, current research and marketing efforts, and e-commerce campaigns to support Florida citrus sales. Members asked questions about citrus production declines, future replanting and therapies, rural family lands, PFOS cleanup, mangrove restoration, flooding and pump infrastructure, agricultural theft, and derelict vessel removal. Officials generally responded with updates, emphasized science-based management and enforcement, and in several cases said they would follow up with more detailed information later. No formal votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair directing members to provide feedback on agencies for further budget review and then adjournment.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Culture, Recreation & Tourism Mar 6th, 2025

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's looking bright for oyster farming in Texas.
  • One of our mission initiatives is Big Tex Urban Farms.
  • We have over 205, or we have 205 county farm.
  • . farm and ranch in the state.
  • I have a deer farm. We've been in business since 2016.
Keywords: 1184, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 01/22/25

Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • They have 900 dairy farms, so almost three-fourths of their dairy farms.
  • out of dairy farming.
  • out of dairy farming.
  • Farm services, we are down in farm-served numbers. The question was about white-tailed deer.
  • <01:15:22.840> kid<01:15:23.159> and farming I'm a I'm a dairy farm kid and farming
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 03/21/25

Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • So just to name a few: farm business management scholarship, biofuels infrastructure grants, farm-to-school
  • , biofuels infrastructure grants, farm business management grants, farm business management scholarships
  • the family farm.
  • And in today's uh farm the family farm.
  • For the record, my name is Jane Winsburgger, and I have a farm by the name Farm.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

AEN-EDT, AEN Public Hearings 02-06-2026

Agriculture and Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • Next is Brian Miamoto, Hawaii Farm Next is Brian Miamoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau.
  • I'm part owner of Nalo Farms.
  • Ryan Miamoto, Hawaii Farm<00:53:09.599> Bureau. Farm Bureau. Farm Bureau.
  • that are farming different commodities. that are farming different commodities.
  • Larry Jeff's farm.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on SP 2350, which would transfer oversight of the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Development Division and the aquaculture and livestock support services branch to the Agribusiness Development Corporation. The Department of Agriculture and ADC both testified, with ADC opposing the bill as written while supporting the goal of strengthening agriculture. ADC said the transfer could create federal operational and coordination risks, jeopardize federal funding and program continuity, and was unnecessary because ADC is a business development entity, not a regulatory agency. The Hawaii Farmers Union also expressed concern that moving the programs could weaken the department’s ability to access federal resources, while the Hawaii Farm Bureau submitted written testimony and the Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association and H-Plan were noted as supporting the measure; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was noted as opposing it. Much of the discussion focused on aquaculture’s economic potential and the role of regulation, permitting, and funding. Committee members questioned why aquaculture had not grown faster, citing current gross revenues of about $66 million last year, a prior high of $82 million, and a possible long-term target of $500 million. Testimony identified permitting and feed costs as major barriers, along with market conditions and water quality issues affecting producers. ADC described ongoing efforts on feed development, permitting streamlining, coastal-state collaboration on seaweed and restorative aquaculture, and national advocacy for more parity in seafood import standards. Members also pressed the Department of Agriculture on its leadership and priorities, criticizing the lack of bills and resources dedicated to aquaculture and asking whether the department should have more authority to pursue land purchases and development opportunities. The department said it relies on divisions and industry feedback for bill ideas, noted it funds an annual aquaculture survey, and said it was pursuing congressional earmarks and other funding for aquaculture parks, research, and export/import issues. ADC said it would work with the department if the bill passed, but that its current statute does not give it regulatory authority and any such change would require a statutory amendment.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 23rd, 2025

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • Those farms have to comply with U.S. laws.
  • That's really because 99.9% of the imports are all farm-raised.
  • Farm-raised shrimp. Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am.
  • legally and Again, there are laws that apply to U.S. farms.
  • By all means, call it domestic shrimp because it was farmed here.