WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Macadamia Tree Health Initiative, legislation from the desk of Hawaii Sen. Mazie K. Hirono, has been included in the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report.
It is legislation that prioritizes research into combating the macadamia felted coccid, an invasive pest threatening Hawaii’s macadamia nut industry.
The bipartisan Farm Bill, which sets policy and funding levels for agriculture and nutrition programs through 2023, was approved in the Senate by a 87-13 vote. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives where it must be approved before it’s sent along to the president for his signature.
“Today’s vote brings much needed federal resources to combat the macadamia felted coccid, which has been ravaging our $46 million macadamia industry for over a decade,” said Hirono in a press release. “This strong bipartisan agreement also protects needy families from painful cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and supports many programs that are critical to Hawaii farmers and growers.”