Non-Profits
Non-profit Organizations providing support and services to the Agrifood Cluster
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. |
Data Gaps in the Value Chain | Data collection, especially from smaller farms and backyard producers, is insufficient. Without comprehensive data, it is difficult to make informed decisions regarding market opportunities and areas for improvement within the value chain. |
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. |
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. |
Non-profit organizations play a supportive role in the agricultural value chain by providing training, advocacy, and funding opportunities to local farmers. These organizations, such as The Kohala Center, Hui Mālama i ke Ala ʻŪlili (huiMAU) and others have been promoting sustainable farming practices and building capacity within the agricultural community. Non-profits also work to address food security issues, particularly by supporting small-scale producers and advocating for policy changes that benefit the local agricultural sector.
Staple Food Commodities
In the staple food commodities value chain, non-profits focus on providing training and technical assistance to small-scale producers, many of whom lack the resources to improve their operations independently. These organizations help farmers adopt sustainable farming practices, access new markets, and navigate regulatory frameworks. However, non-profits often face funding constraints that limit the scope of their programs. There is a need for more collaboration between non-profits, industry groups, and government agencies to expand their impact and provide more comprehensive support to staple food producers.
Export Commodities
Non-profits also play a vital role in helping producers of export commodities adopt sustainable farming practices and navigate complex regulatory environments. These organizations provide training in areas such as pest management, organic certification, and sustainable farming techniques, which are essential for maintaining the premium status of Hawai'i’s export crops. However, non-profits are often limited by funding and staff capacity, which restricts their ability to scale up initiatives. Expanding collaboration between non-profits, government bodies, and industry groups could help provide more comprehensive support to export commodity producers, particularly in the areas of technical assistance and market access.