Farming
Growing Food Security and Soil Health
Overview
Hawaiʻi imports approximately 85–90% of its food, leaving the islands critically vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and climate shocks. The farming sector is central to reversing this dependence. By transitioning to regenerative agriculture, Hawaiʻi aims to revitalize soil health, increase local food production, and turn agricultural lands into carbon sponges. This pathway emphasizes “climate-smart” farming practices that sequester carbon, improve water retention, and restore the nutrient cycles essential for a circular economy.
Numbers and Targets
Key Targets:
- Double Food Production: Develop a strategic plan to double local food production and increase food exports by 2030 (Act 151).
- Fertilizer Reduction: Work with producers to phase out at least 10% of chemical fertilizer use by 2045 in favor of organic amendments.
- Soil Health: Utilize agricultural soil amendments (like compost and biochar) to capture carbon and improve soil health.
Emissions Profile (2022):
- Agricultural Soil Management Emissions: 0.15 MMT CO2 Eq. (primarily from fertilizer application).
- Total AFOLU Sector Emissions: 1.11 MMT CO2 Eq.
- Net Impact: While agriculture emits GHGs, healthy soils and agroforestry have the potential to significantly increase the sector's capacity as a carbon sink.
Key Features of Hawaiʻi's Farming Sector
Regenerative Agriculture
The state is pivoting toward regenerative practices—such as cover cropping, composting, and windbreaks—that go beyond sustainability to actively heal the land. These methods build “soil organic carbon,” which accounts for over half of the carbon stored in Hawaiʻi’s terrestrial ecosystems.
Import Substitution
Circular Nutrient Systems
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges
- High Costs: Farmers face high operating costs for water, land, and labor, operating on thin profit margins that make resilience investments difficult.
- Resource Scarcity: Drought and competing water demands stress crops, while invasive species and pests threaten yields.
- Data Gaps: Methodologies for measuring soil carbon sequestration in Hawaiʻi's unique tropical volcanic soils are underdeveloped compared to continental systems.
Opportunities
- Institutional Purchasing: State procurement mandates (like "Farm to School") provide guaranteed markets for local growers.
- Value-Added Products: New facilities aimed at helping small businesses process and package goods can scale up local food beyond raw produce.
- Carbon Smart Incentives: Programs like the Carbon Smart Land Management Assistance Pilot pay farmers for adopting practices that sequester carbon.
State and County Actions
State of Hawaiʻi
The Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is tasked with strategic planning to double food production. The Department of Education is implementing the Farm to School program to meet the 30% local food target.
Hawaiʻi County
Maui County
The Department of Agriculture (established 2022) is developing a strategic plan to diversify the island’s agricultural system. The county offers agricultural expansion grants and invests in infrastructure like the Kula Agricultural Park.
City and County of Honolulu
Measure Description and Scope
| Measure | Description | Measure Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Reduce emissions and capture carbon by improving soil health. | Nutrient Cycling: Integrate waste systems to create local fertilizer (compost/biochar) and phase out 10% of chemical fertilizer use by 2045. Regenerative Practices: Incentivize climate-smart practices like cover cropping and low-till farming. Biochar: Incentivize the use of biochar produced from invasive tree species. |
| Strengthen local food networks and access. | Food Hubs: Expand the network of food hubs to aggregate, store, and distribute local produce, providing a reliable supply chain for small farmers. Local Procurement: Enforce mandates for state agencies to purchase local fresh produce. |
Case Studies
MAʻO Organic Farms (Oʻahu)
MAʻO Organic Farms connects youth leadership with sustainable agriculture. By training young people to manage a certified organic farm, they produce thousands of pounds of fresh produce while creating a new generation of agricultural leaders rooted in Hawaiian cultural values. This model addresses both workforce development and food security.
GoFarm Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi ʻUlu (Cooperative)
This cooperative aggregates breadfruit (ʻulu) and other staple crops from small farmers across Hawaiʻi Island, processing them into frozen, ready-to-use products. By handling processing and marketing collectively, they give small farmers access to large institutional markets like schools and hospitals.
Further Actions
For Individuals
- Buy Local: Look for the "Made in Hawaiʻi" or "Hawaiʻi Seals of Quality" labels. If you use SNAP, utilize the Da Bux program to get 50% off local produce.
- Compost at Home: Reduce your household waste and create free fertilizer for your garden by starting a compost pile or worm bin.
- Grow Your Own: Even a small lanai garden can produce herbs and vegetables, reducing your reliance on imported greens.
For Businesses
- Procurement Pledges: Restaurants and hotels can commit to sourcing a specific percentage of their menu ingredients from local farms.
- Employee Gardens: utilize outdoor space for employee gardens or support CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) as an employee perk.
For NGOs
- Food Hubs: Organize or support food hubs that help small farmers aggregate their products to reach larger markets.
- Farmer Training: Develop mentorship programs that connect experienced kūpuna farmers with new agriculturalists to transfer knowledge.
Resources
State Agencies
- Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) – https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/
The primary agency for agricultural development, biosecurity, and irrigation management.
- Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) – https://adc.hawaii.gov/
Facilitates the transition of agricultural lands and infrastructure to productive use31.
County Resources
- Maui County Department of Agriculture- https://www.mauicounty.gov/118/Agriculture
Provides strategic support and grants for Maui Nui farmers.
- Hawaiʻi County Department of Research & Development – https://www.rd.hawaiicounty.gov/
Offers agriculture grants and food systems support.
Non-Profit Organizations
- Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau – https://hfbf.org/
Advocates for Hawaiʻi’s farmers and organizes farmers’ markets.
- Hawaiʻi Good Food Alliance – https://hawaiigoodfoodalliance.org/
A coalition of food system stakeholders working toward food justice and resilience.
Educational Resources and Programs
- UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) https://cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/
Provides extension services, research, and technical assistance to farmers33.
- GoFarm Hawaiʻi – https://gofarmhawaii.org/
Farmer training program covering production and agribusiness.
Business Resources
- Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Loan Division https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/agl/
Provides loans to farmers who may not qualify for conventional financing.
Policy and Advocacy
- Ulupono Initiative – https://ulupono.com/
Invests in and advocates for more local food production and sustainable land use.