Two Bills Would Expand Organic Markets
Wednesday, February 20th, 2008
Article by Sen. Mike Gabbard, originally published in MidWeek on Feb. 20, 2008
Aloha! I hope you and your family are well.
You may have noticed that more and more of our supermarkets are carrying organic foods. My family and I have been eating organic foods for many years. We appreciate the benefit of eating healthy foods that are free of toxic substances like conventional pesticides. We also like the idea of supporting organic farmers whose agricultural methods promote sustainability, enhance soil health and preserve our natural environment.
What you may be surprised to learn is that over the past decade, sales of organic products have shown an annual increase of at least 20 percent, making organics the fastest-growing sector of agriculture in the United States. For example, in 2005 retail sales of organic foods and beverages totalled $12.8 billion.
You also may not be aware that all organic foods on supermarket shelves bearing the organic label have to meet USDA certification standards first established in 2002. In Hawai`i, the principal certifier for organic farms is the Hawai`i Organic Farmers Association (HOFA). (more…)


Maxamina Catian helps a child in the Keiki Steps early education demonstration to build with blocks. 
By Hawaii State Senator Mike Gabbard








