Public Private Partnership & Action

As a pivotal component of the Hamakua Institute's Market Systems Development Initiative (MSDI), the Public-Private Partnership & Action project is dedicated to the establishment, incorporation, and development of the Hawaiʻi Island Agriculture Partnership (HIAP). HIAP is a transformative public-private initiative aimed at revitalizing and transforming Hawaiʻi Island's agricultural economy. By fostering collaborative efforts among more than 120 agribusinesses, organizations, farmers, government agencies, University of Hawaiʻi organizations, and nonprofits, HIAP is committed to creating a sustainable, inclusive, and self-sufficient agricultural system that supports the island's many small farms and ensures food security for its residents.

Our Mission and Vision

HIAP's mission is to enhance Hawaiʻi Island's agricultural sector through systemic change. By facilitating value chain development, market expansion, and workforce development, HIAP seeks to create a resilient agricultural ecosystem that supports economic growth, community well-being, and environmental sustainability.

HIAP's members envision an agricultural sector that serves as an engine of economic growth, characterized by a diverse array of productive, sustainable farms. Through fostering innovation and collaboration across all stakeholders, HIAP aims to generate job growth and improve food security for all residents of Hawaiʻi Island.

Why Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration is Vital

• Innovation and Resource Sharing

  Combining public resources and policies with private sector innovation and efficiency drives the development of new technologies, practices, and business models essential for transforming our agricultural system.

• Scalability and Impact

  Collaborative efforts enable the scaling up of the island’s most successful agricultural initiatives, making them more impactful and sustainable over the long term.

• Policy and Regulatory Support

  By working together, government, business, and nonprofit stakeholders can shape policies and regulations through shared analysis, dialogue, and collaboration, creating an enabling environment for agricultural growth.

  
  

Strategies for Transforming Hawaiʻi Island's Agriculture and Food System

HIAP focuses on three main strategies to fulfill its mission:

1. Value Chain Development

   • Increasing the island’s capacity for value-added processing of local agricultural production, with an emphasis on food products.

   • Facilitating partnerships and infrastructure development to enhance processing capabilities.

2. Market Development

   • Improving access to local and external markets for Hawaiʻi Island's farmers.

   • Developing shared marketing strategies and expanding distribution networks.

3. Workforce Development

   • Building the skills and capacities needed to sustain and grow the agricultural industry.

   • Implementing training programs and educational initiatives to support current and future agricultural professionals.

     
     

The Importance of Hawaiʻi Island Agriculture

• Economic Significance

  • Agriculture and food sectors represent over 12,000 jobs on the island, nearly 18% of the island’s total workforce when combined into one economic cluster.

  • Understanding the breadth and strength of this cluster is key to strengthening the island’s farms and improving food self-sufficiency.

• State Contribution

  • Hawaiʻi Island is home to more than 55% of the state’s farms and produces 43% of the state’s total agricultural revenue, according to the USDA 2022 Agriculture Census.

  • The island serves as the breadbasket of the state, despite limited infrastructure investment during its transition from a plantation-based economy to one dominated by small, diversified farms.

• Small Farms as Growth Engines

  • With over 3,600 farms, two-thirds of which are less than ten acres, small farms continue to increase and find new market opportunities despite significant challenges.

  • HIAP recognizes the potential of these small farms as engines of economic growth and key contributors to the state’s pathway toward improved food self-sufficiency.

    
    

Our Approach: Enabling Cooperation and Shared Opportunities

The Hamakua Institute is committed to developing HIAP as an enabler of new cooperation and the shared pursuit of opportunities by:

• Creating Systems and Mechanisms for Collaboration

  • Developing HIAP's website and web-based tools to make it easier for people, organizations, and businesses to work together.

  • Lowering barriers to collaboration and shared effort through innovative platforms and communication channels.

• Stimulating Market-Driven Support

  • Encouraging farmer demand for low-cost, locally provided services and support.

  • Leveraging market systems approaches to expand services without relying solely on increased government assistance.

    
    

Acknowledgments

We are grateful for the generous support from our donors and partners who have been instrumental in HIAP's development since its inception in 2019:

• County of Hawaiʻi

• University of Hawaiʻi

• Kamehameha Schools

• Hawaiʻi Community College

• Greenpoint Nursery

• Hawaiʻi Community Foundation

Their contributions have been crucial in laying the foundation for HIAP's initiatives and ongoing efforts.

Join Us in Transforming Hawaiʻi Island's Agricultural Future

Your Support Makes a Difference

To continue building and enhancing the support mechanisms that HIAP is establishing for farmers and agribusinesses, we invite you to join us in this transformative journey. Your support will directly assist in:

• Developing Collaborative Platforms

  • Enhancing HIAP's website and tools for better communication and resource sharing among stakeholders.

• Implementing Strategic Initiatives

  • Supporting value chain, market, and workforce development projects that empower small farms and stimulate economic growth.

• Fostering Innovation and Sustainability

  • Enabling the adoption of new technologies and practices that promote sustainability and resilience in agriculture.