Federal Government

Federal Government agencies supporting and regulating agriculture and food production.

Federal programs, including those from the USDA, provide significant financial support through grants and loans for both large-scale and small-scale producers. However, accessing these resources can be complex, particularly for small farmers. Additionally, compliance with federal regulations like the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has placed a burden on producers who often lack the infrastructure to meet these standards.

Associated Challenges:

Lack of Coordination Among Stakeholders	There is limited coordination between producers, government agencies, and industry groups, hindering collaboration and the development of unified strategies to address systemic issues like transportation, market access, and workforce shortages.
Permitting Delays	Lengthy permitting processes, particularly for infrastructure projects like cold storage and processing facilities, delay necessary investments. Producers face significant challenges navigating Hawaii’s regulatory and permitting framework.
Pest and Disease Management	Coffee and macadamia nut producers face persistent challenges from pests such as the Coffee Berry Borer and macadamia felted coccid, which lower yields and increase costs. Research into pest-resistant varieties is critical for mitigation.
Complex Food Safety Compliance	Small farmers face difficulties complying with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and other food safety standards. The cost and complexity of compliance prevent many from accessing certain markets and limit their ability to scale.
Inadequate Technical Assistance	Limited access to technical support services, such as extension programs and research institutions, constrains farmers' ability to implement modern farming techniques and business practices, particularly among small farms.
Lack of Available Data and Market Information	Insufficient access to reliable market data and demand information constrains decision-making for both producers and buyers. This results in inefficiencies in pricing, production volumes, and market opportunities.