HB 0353

SPONSORS: Rep. Robb, Sull 11; Rep. Babson, Carr 5; Rep. Scanlan, Graf 11; Sen. Gordon, Dist 2; Sen. Disnard, Dist 8

This bill declares it state policy to encourage agricultural development and diversification. This bill directs the division of agricultural development to develop a 5-year plan, which is to be updated annually, for greater efficiency, productivity, and profitability among the various commodity groups making up the New Hampshire agricultural sector. The bill also directs the division of agricultural development to continue its support of producers through training and technical assistance, marketing and commodity distribution, and public education.

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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Purpose and Policy. It is state policy to encourage agricultural development and diversification through several means, including research, promotions, marketing, and assisting individuals and organizations in their efforts to develop and market new agricultural products. New Hampshire agriculture has diversified over the years to encompass numerous commodities and products through the work of agriculturists both large and small, both new and long-established as New Hampshire farmers, and both inexperienced and sophisticated in the efficient production and modern marketing of their commodities. It is therefore the purpose of this act:

I. To acknowledge the significant and growing contribution of producers of diverse agricultural commodities to the New Hampshire economy and to the general welfare of its citizens, including:

(a) The production of food and fiber for consumption by New Hampshire citizens and others, including visitors to New Hampshire who may return home with a desire to continue to buy New Hampshire commodities; and

(b) The preservation and enhancement of a working New Hampshire landscape, which in turn is so valuable to tourism and outdoor recreation, environmental integrity, helping to contain urban sprawl, and the aesthetic enjoyment of New Hampshire citizens as they go about their day-to-day lives.

II. To help provide New Hampshire producers of diverse agricultural commodities the opportunity to thrive in their respective endeavors, and to ensure all New Hampshire citizens the opportunity to continue to enjoy the benefits thereof.

2 Comprehensive Plan. The division of agricultural development, department of agriculture, markets, and food, shall prepare a comprehensive plan for the most efficient and productive future development of diversified agriculture in New Hampshire. In so doing, the division shall organize and lead the New Hampshire agriculture industry in a collaborative self-assessment and planning effort. Through this initiative, along with the assistance of educational institutions, other government agencies, and other non-governmental organizations, the division shall organize and manage:

I. An assessment of the needs of individual producers and producer associations, a review and analysis of any existing public or private programs that could help to meet these needs, and an analysis of establishment of new initiatives in New Hampshire to meet identified industry needs, including consideration of a farm viability enhancement program.

II. An evaluation of existing and potential market demands for diverse agricultural products from New Hampshire, the resulting opportunities then presented to New Hampshire producers, and the actions required of New Hampshire producers to take maximum advantage of these opportunities identified.

III. The preparation of an implementation plan, based on the needs assessment and market evaluation, including annual performance benchmarks and annual budgets, for a 5-year period. The plan shall be updated annually, and shall be presented annually by January 15 to the governor, the speaker of the house, the senate president, and the public. The plan presented in January 2002 may be preliminary in nature.

3 Ongoing Support Programs. The division of agricultural development shall continue its ongoing support of producers, through training and technical help, marketing and commodity distribution, and public education in the benefits of a diversified New Hampshire agriculture. Major support areas shall consist of:

I. Industry development, including helping to form and provide ongoing support of commodity associations, which in turn can help individual members with management and production improvements, value-added processing, sales, distribution, and any other areas identified in the comprehensive plan.

II. Marketing, including helping producers and commodity associations understand the basics of marketing and developing a marketing plan as part of their comprehensive business plan. On an industry-wide basis, producers shall be encouraged to cooperate on:

(a) Collaborative marketing initiatives, with emphasis on reducing duplications of efforts and other inefficiencies, including the organization of cross-commodity marketing efforts.

(b) Direct marketing efforts, with emphasis on helping producers to sell their locally grown commodities to local consumers, including individuals, businesses, and institutions.

(c) Wholesale marketing efforts, with emphasis on helping to locate and develop markets, organize and conduct commodity promotions, and organize sales fulfillments.

III. New Hampshire identity programs, specifically those which include the opportunity to promote New Hampshire agricultural products as being of high quality and easily recognized by consumers, with emphasis on the existing seal of quality program and its identification of New Hampshire food products as safe and wholesome.

IV. Communications, including ensuring that producers, potential consumers, public agencies, private entities, and members of the public are sufficiently informed, including use of:

(a) Electronic information, by encouraging and assisting with the use of electronic information technology, including website development for electronic commerce, plus on-line research and e-mail connections.

(b) Traditional information, by supporting information gathering by non-electronic means, and the use of traditional media for communications, market research and advertising, and public education.

I. In the implementation of this act, the division of agricultural development shall collaborate with the department of resources and economic development to ensure that economic development activities are consistent with the needs of New Hampshire producers of diverse agricultural commodities. The division shall also collaborate with relevant private and public organizations.

II. The division of agricultural development shall report annually by January 15 to the speaker of the house and the senate president on the implementation of this act, including the extent to which performance benchmarks contained in the comprehensive plan were achieved during the previous fiscal year, and a description of and justification for the allocation of state, federal, or other funds during the previous fiscal year. Such information contained in the report submitted in January 2003 shall cover the last half of fiscal year 2002.

AN ACT relative to diversified agricultural development, and making an appropriation therefor.

The Department of Agriculture states this bill will increase state general fund expenditures by $27,500 in FY 2002 and FY 2003. There is no fiscal impact on state, county and local revenue or county and local expenditures.

This bill appropriates $55,000 from the state general fund to the Department of Agriculture for the biennium ending June 30, 2003.

The Department states this bill will establish a state policy to encourage agricultural development and diversification through several means, including research, promotions, marketing, and support to private individuals and organizations in their efforts to develop and market new agricultural products. This bill appropriates $55,000 for the biennium ending June 20, 2003 for the preparation of a comprehensive plan, ongoing support of producers, and the completion on an annual report consistent with the purposes expressed in this bill.