House panel moves Food and Product Innovation Network bill with agency support

The House Economic Development Committee on March 25 recommended SB3320 SD1 to pass after proponents described the bill’s goal of supporting a Food and Product Innovation Network (FPIN) to help local producers and encourage pathways to export.

Anela Akana identified herself as the new Food and Product Innovation Network manager and testified in support, saying the measure would help the program. Esther Reichert of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity also stood on written testimony in support and was available for questions.

A committee member asked whether FPINs could be eligible for an enterprise zone program in related legislation; the FPIN representative described connections to foreign‑trade and education export pathways and said further exploration would be useful.

Committee action: with no reservations or opposition raised during the hearing, members voted to move SB3320 SD1 forward and the recommendation to pass was adopted.