Suppliers

Input Suppliers to Producers and Agribusinesses

Suppliers of agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and equipment are essential for farm production, but they face high import costs and supply chain disruptions due to Hawaii's geographic isolation. Opportunities exist in developing local input supply chains, and there is a growing interest in supporting sustainable and climate-resilient farming through innovative inputs.

Associated Challenges:

High Transportation Costs	Hawaii's geographic isolation makes it difficult for producers to compete in international markets. High shipping costs and fuel prices significantly impact the profitability of crops like macadamia nuts, coffee, and floriculture.
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.
High Input Costs	The high costs of imported agricultural inputs, such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, significantly raise production expenses. This reduces profitability and scalability, especially for small and beginning farmers.