Agriculture Awareness Day 2012

House Ag Chair Tsuji, Speaker Say, Senate Ag Chair Nishihara, and Rep. Giugni  greeting attendees

Today was the sixth annual Agriculture Awareness Day at the Capitol. The event was sponsored by the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation and co-hosted by House Committee on Agriculture Chair and Vice Chair, Clift Tsuji and Mark Hashem and their Senate counterparts, Clarence Nishihara and Gilbert Kahele. 

"Kaua'i Grown" legislators, Reps. Kawikami and Tokioka supporting their local farmers

The Farm Bureau invited agriculture industry representatives from across the state to take part in the festivities. This year's participants included: Adopt-a-Beehive with Alan Wong Program, Aikane Plantation, City and County of Honolulu, Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species (CGAPS), College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, DLNR, FFA, For J's Hawaii, Hali'imaile Pineapple Company, Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company, Hawaii Agriculture Research Center, Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Hawaii Coffee Association, Hawaii Conservation Alliance, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Food Manufacturers Association, Hawaii Papaya Industry Association, Hawaii Restaurant Association, Ho Farms, Hula Girl Foods, Kamiya Gold, Kauai County Farm Bureau, Lani's Cattle and Goat Company, Legacy Land Conservation Program, Manoa Honey Company, maui County Farm Bureau, Maui Soil & Water Conservation Districts, Monsanto, Oahu Invasive Species Committee, Pioneer Hi-Bred, Roselani Ice Cream, USDA, and Young Brothers.

Vice Chair Hashem after enjoying a cup of 100% Kona Coffee

In addition to getting to taste samples of delicious, locally produced food, those in attendance were also presented with information regarding invasive species, conservation, and the application of biotechnology in agriculture. Ag Awareness day also provides an excellent opportunity for lawmakers and the public to meet our farmers face-to-face and learn about what they do.

Rep. Oshiro tasting fresh, local honey