Industry Groups
Industry and commodity groups, producer associations and networks.
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. |
Industry and commodity groups are essential stakeholders in Hawai'i's agricultural landscape, providing a platform for advocacy, training, marketing, and cooperation among producers. Key industry groups include the Hawai'i Farm Bureau, the Hawai'i Coffee Association, and the Hawai'i Floriculture and Nursery Association, which work to represent the interests of their respective members at the state, national, and international levels. These groups also play a critical role in coordinating industry standards, promoting certifications, and fostering collaboration among producers. Industry groups regularly engage with policymakers to advocate for agricultural reforms, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced market access, aiming to create a more competitive and sustainable agricultural sector in Hawai'i.
Staple Food Commodities
For staple food commodities, industry groups such as the Hawai'i Farm Bureau are pivotal in addressing the systemic challenges faced by local producers. These groups advocate for policy reforms, financial support, and market access that could help strengthen local food systems and improve self-sufficiency. They also offer training programs and technical assistance to producers to improve farm productivity and compliance with food safety regulations. Industry groups have highlighted the need for greater cooperation among producers to tackle shared challenges, such as high input costs, labor shortages, and the limited availability of processing facilities. Expanding horizontal linkages among small producers could enable better resource sharing and collective marketing strategies, helping them compete more effectively in local markets.
Export Commodities
In the export commodities value chain, industry groups like the Hawai'i Coffee Association and Hawai'i Floriculture and Nursery Association play a crucial role in marketing, certification, and promoting Hawai'i's premium agricultural products on the global stage. These organizations work to maintain Hawai'i’s reputation for high-quality, unique export products by developing certification programs and marketing initiatives that emphasize the state’s distinctive growing conditions and sustainable farming practices. However, export commodity groups also face significant challenges related to infrastructure and regulatory compliance. Industry associations have called for stronger collaboration among producers to share resources, improve processing infrastructure, and enhance cold chain logistics. They also advocate for policies that reduce the cost of exporting agricultural goods, particularly around transportation and pest management. By facilitating greater collaboration and resource sharing across the export commodities sector, industry groups are helping producers navigate the complexities of international trade and maintain Hawai'i’s competitive edge in global markets.