Aggregation is critical for small and medium-sized producers who lack the scale to access international markets independently. Aggregators help pool products for export, but logistical inefficiencies and the high cost of transport continue to be major challenges. Aggregation models that facilitate better economies of scale, particularly for smaller farms growing export crops like macadamia nuts, are seen as a priority for system change.

Consumers in international markets are increasingly interested in the sustainability and ethical sourcing of Hawai'i's export products, such as coffee, macadamia nuts, and tropical flowers. These consumers are willing to pay premium prices for products that emphasize organic practices, fair trade certifications, and traceability. Domestically, consumer preferences also align with supporting local agriculture, but price sensitivity can limit demand for high-value export crops within the local market.

The County government tries to address the infrastructure needs associated with export commodities, especially regarding transportation and cold storage. The County's role in improving roads, ports, and processing facilities is critical for ensuring that Hawai'i’s export products maintain their quality from farm to market.

Distributors are essential in moving export products from Hawai'i to international markets, but they are significantly impacted by transportation bottlenecks and high costs. The need for better infrastructure, particularly cold chain logistics for perishable products, is a top concern. Distribution networks also struggle with high shipping costs, which erode profit margins for both producers and distributors alike.

Educators highlight the need for more programs focused on export commodities, particularly in the areas of pest management, sustainable farming practices, and international market strategies. Training programs and internships are seen as essential to building the next generation of agricultural workers and specialists who can support Hawai'i's export sector. However, limited funding for these programs has constrained their reach and impact.

Federal support for export commodities is largely focused on pest and disease management, agricultural research, and disaster relief. Federal programs like the USDA provide grants and loans that help producers mitigate the challenges posed by pests such as the Coffee Leaf Rust and the macadamia felted coccid. However, stakeholders call for more consistent research funding to address ongoing issues and support long-term resilience in Hawai'i's export agriculture.

Industry groups such as the Hawaii Coffee Association and the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association play vital roles in marketing, certification, and collaboration. However, there is room for stronger horizontal linkages between producers to facilitate resource sharing and collective marketing strategies. Industry groups emphasize the importance of maintaining Hawai'i’s premium product status while addressing the logistical and regulatory challenges that affect international trade.

Non-profit organizations play a supportive role in helping export commodity producers adopt sustainable farming practices and navigate complex regulatory environments. However, many non-profits are limited by funding constraints and staff capacity, which restricts their ability to scale up initiatives. There is a call for more collaboration between non-profits, industry groups, and government bodies to provide comprehensive support to producers, particularly in the areas of training, technical assistance, and market access.

Processors in the export commodities sector, particularly those handling coffee, macadamia nuts, and tropical flowers, face high energy costs and challenges related to maintaining product quality during processing. There is increasing interest in value-added products to diversify revenue streams, but the lack of local processing facilities forces many producers to rely on off-island options, increasing both costs and risks. Investments in renewable energy solutions for processing facilities could help address these issues.

Producers of export commodities face high production costs, pest management challenges, and logistical bottlenecks that hinder their ability to compete in international markets. They advocate for more localized infrastructure, such as cold storage and processing facilities, and stronger support from government programs in mitigating pests and diseases. The importance of maintaining the premium status of Hawaiian exports through certification and branding is also a key concern.

Retailers that focus on Hawai'i’s export products often face challenges with consistent supply and the price volatility of commodities like coffee and macadamia nuts. High transportation and storage costs impact product pricing, making it difficult to compete in both local and international markets. Retailers emphasize the need for improved cold chain logistics and partnerships with producers to ensure steady supply flows and maintain the high quality expected from Hawaiian exports.

Service providers play a crucial role in the export commodities value chain, particularly in logistics, cold storage, and input supplies. Their primary concerns revolve around transportation costs and logistical inefficiencies that increase the time and expense of moving products like coffee and macadamia nuts from Hawai'i to international markets. Improving cold chain infrastructure and reducing high fuel costs are seen as critical steps to enhance the efficiency and profitability of these export channels.

The State government focuses on regulatory frameworks that govern agricultural exports, particularly in maintaining quality standards and addressing pest management issues. Key concerns include the need for better alignment between state policies and the practical challenges faced by producers, such as pest control and compliance with export standards. The state is also seen as a potential driver of infrastructure investments, particularly in cold storage and processing facilities, to reduce logistical bottlenecks.

Students engaged in agricultural studies show a strong interest in export commodities, particularly in learning about sustainable farming practices, international trade, and value-added product development. However, there are limited opportunities for internships and hands-on experience in the export sector, which hinders their ability to gain practical skills and contribute to the growth of Hawai'i's agricultural economy. Expanding these opportunities is seen as key to developing a skilled workforce for the future.

Suppliers of fertilizers, seeds, equipment, and other inputs for export crops face significant challenges due to Hawai'i’s geographic isolation, which raises the cost of goods and transportation. Export commodity producers, especially those in coffee, floriculture, and macadamia nuts, rely on specialized inputs, making local production of these supplies a potential solution. Suppliers advocate for more local sourcing options to reduce reliance on expensive imports and ensure a steady supply chain.

Wholesalers working with export commodities express concerns about the inconsistency of supply from small and medium-sized producers, as well as the high costs associated with shipping and handling these goods. They play a critical role in aggregating products for export but note that logistical inefficiencies and a lack of adequate cold storage facilities increase the risk of spoilage, particularly for perishable goods like tropical flowers and seafood.

Labor shortages are a significant issue across the export commodities value chain, particularly during peak harvest seasons for labor-intensive crops such as coffee and flowers. High wage rates and limited availability of skilled workers strain production capacity and increase costs. Workers are also affected by the lack of consistent training and workforce development programs that would allow them to acquire the necessary skills for these specialized industries.