Hawaii and Alaska senators introduce bipartisan legislation to fund farmers and ranchers
May 30, 2023
U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono and Dan Sullivan introduced the “RTCP Revitalization Act,” which is co-sponsored by Senator Brian Schatz, on May 19 to secure funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment (RTCP) Program to increase funding for Hawaii and Alaska farmers and ranchers. The act allows geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in the two states to be reimbursed for costs associated with transporting supplies, including feed, fertilizer and equipment parts.
“We deeply appreciate the hard work put forth in this legislation to support our local farmers and ranchers,” said Murray Clay, president of Ulupono Initiative. “Along with increasing the number of agricultural producers who can participate in the RTCP program, this legislation also increases the amount of funding they can receive. This would help hundreds of Hawaii food producers with cost savings on eligible transportation costs and, as a result, support their efforts to become more profitable and remain a valuable food source as our state continues to work towards our agricultural sustainability goals.”
The RTCP Revitalization Act would:
- Fund $10 million to the RTCP in fiscal year (FY) 2024;
- Increase the funding by $1 million each year thereafter, to $15 million in FY 2029;
- Provide $15 million in 2030 and beyond;
- Remove language setting a $15 million cap in any given FY; and
- Include language restricting USDA secretary from imposing a cap on individual producer payments for any FY when program funds exceed demand.
Read the full news release here.