Industry Groups

Industry and commodity groups, producer associations and networks.

Industry groups such as the Hawaii Farm Bureau advocate for policy reforms, funding, and better market access for local producers. They also provide training and promote cooperation across the value chain. Industry groups play a critical role in lobbying for systemic changes that can enhance competitiveness, such as improved infrastructure and regulatory support for the agri-food sector.

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.
Market Access and Promotion	Smaller producers struggle to access international markets due to limited promotion and branding efforts. Expanding the promotion of Hawaii’s premium agricultural products and establishing unified marketing strategies is seen as a priority.
Workforce Development	There is a need for improved training and education programs to build a skilled workforce, particularly for aquaculture, floriculture, and macadamia nut production. Limited extension services and training resources further compound the issue.
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.
Pests and Plant Diseases	Insufficient services and high costs for pest management make it challenging for small farmers to protect crops from pests and diseases. This leads to lower productivity and increased financial strain on producers.
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.