11-17-2019, 06:03 AM
Fake ag dedication
If I understand the designation correctly, dedicated ag requires a 10 year commitment for production of an agricultural commodity. The land cannot be subdivided during that time, and it maintains and encourages large areas of non-residential land on the island.
Non-dedicated ag land is a three year commitment, which doesn't prevent farm land from subdivision for long. As with dedicated ag, proof of production and sales must be submitted for approval.
I wonder how many farmers can start their business, put in the necessary improvements (water, fencing, sheds to lock up tools), grow a crop or raise livestock, and find a market for their product in three years? Perhaps if a farmer is already in business on another parcel and he's using a non-dedicated parcel as a temporary expansion for his existing business?
As kalakoa pointed out, it might be a beneficial change for the average taxpayer if the rules were strengthened and enforced. As the rule exists now, we can look over thousands of acres of non-farm "farmland" in East Hawaii and ask, "where's the beef?"
If I understand the designation correctly, dedicated ag requires a 10 year commitment for production of an agricultural commodity. The land cannot be subdivided during that time, and it maintains and encourages large areas of non-residential land on the island.
Non-dedicated ag land is a three year commitment, which doesn't prevent farm land from subdivision for long. As with dedicated ag, proof of production and sales must be submitted for approval.
I wonder how many farmers can start their business, put in the necessary improvements (water, fencing, sheds to lock up tools), grow a crop or raise livestock, and find a market for their product in three years? Perhaps if a farmer is already in business on another parcel and he's using a non-dedicated parcel as a temporary expansion for his existing business?
As kalakoa pointed out, it might be a beneficial change for the average taxpayer if the rules were strengthened and enforced. As the rule exists now, we can look over thousands of acres of non-farm "farmland" in East Hawaii and ask, "where's the beef?"
"I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you're right - have fun." - Keanu Reeves