Hawai'i Island Farmer's Guide to Accessing Local Markets

Hawai'i Island Farmer's Guide to Accessing Markets embraces a simple premise. There are currently over 200,000 people on Hawai'i Island, which is a huge market currently dominated by produce imported from off-island sources. From a farmer's perspective, the information found within this guide will help answer the questions of, "What crops should I grow?" and "Who should I market to?" Also, this guide reveals critical protocols and strategies for accessing and retaining markets. The information found within this guide comes straight from experienced local farmers and produce buyers-some of the best professional advice available for thriving in today's local produce markets. Hawai'i Island has a centuries-old history rooted in agriculture. It was not that long ago that the island very capably fed its entire population, with enough surplus to share with others. This agricultural abundance was the basis of a thriving rural economy and has always been a strong cultural foundation for our island home. This marketing guide is part of a larger effort by many who are seeking to reestablish a locally based food system by supporting local farmers who feed our community and take care of our cherished agricultural lands. This guide is for new and experienced farmers and gardeners and everyone interested in a sustainable local food economy in Hawai'i.