Hawaii’s cattle producers are calling on Congress to strengthen voluntary conservation programs as lawmakers work to shape the next Farm Bill. Testifying before the U.S. House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council (HCC) Managing Director Nicole Galase emphasized the essential role of federal conservation support in sustaining ranching operations and protecting Hawaii’s unique landscape.
Representing 135 ranches stewarding over 750,000 acres—nearly 20% of the state’s land—HCC is a state affiliate of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). Galase’s testimony highlighted the intersection of ranching, land stewardship, and food production in Hawaii, where pressures from urban development and land conversion threaten agricultural sustainability.
Voluntary conservation programs administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), were cited as vital tools for maintaining working lands. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, EQIP allocated 50% of its funds specifically to livestock-related practices, a move welcomed by the cattle sector. Galase stressed the importance of maintaining this livestock carveout while also expanding program flexibility and increasing technical support at the local level.
For many ranchers, access to these programs is hindered not by funding shortfalls, but by administrative barriers. Limited staffing and overly rigid guidelines from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) often discourage producer participation. Galase urged improvements in program delivery, including increased technical assistance to tailor conservation practices to local conditions and improve producer confidence in the application process.
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) was also under the spotlight. Currently, grazing restrictions on CRP land limit its utility for ranchers in land-scarce regions like Hawaii. Galase advocated for expanded grazing opportunities within CRP to help manage mature forage, improve pasture rotation, and support emerging producers. The CRP Grasslands pilot program was highlighted as a model worth permanently authorizing in future legislation.
HCC also expressed interest in participating in programs like the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), though it noted that excessive red tape and platform inconsistencies complicate implementation. Streamlining reporting systems and contract management would help local organizations more efficiently direct conservation funds to on-the-ground projects.
While the recent cancellation of the USDA’s Climate Smart Commodities grant was seen as a setback, Galase pointed to the Advancing Markets for Producers Initiative as a promising successor. However, she cautioned that funding for technical assistance should be counted toward direct producer support to ensure effective project implementation.
Ultimately, Galase reinforced the idea that environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social responsibility are inseparable pillars of sustainable agriculture. Hawaii’s cattle producers, she noted, are eager to remain partners in conservation—so long as programs remain voluntary, flexible, and responsive to local needs.
