Support services, including technical assistance and business advisory, are critical to helping producers navigate the complex agricultural market system on Hawaii Island. However, current support services are insufficient to meet the growing demand from smallholder farmers. The University of Hawaii’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) provides extension services, but its limited capacity—due to understaffing and a wide geographic mandate—means that many producers are left without timely access to crucial advisory support. This gap has a direct impact on production efficiency and market access, as farmers lack the guidance needed to improve their operations and align with market demand.
Expanding the reach of support services, potentially through public-private partnerships, is essential for addressing these challenges. Digital platforms could play a significant role in making technical assistance more widely available by offering real-time advisory services and facilitating peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. Additionally, strengthening support services would enhance other system functions, such as improving access to finance, inputs, and market information, thereby enabling producers to better manage risks and capitalize on market opportunities.