Agriculture has always had a
special place in Hawaii history and continues to be
an important industry, generating $2.9 billion to the
state's annual economy and directly and indirectly
providing 42,000 jobs.
Historically, the ancient
Polynesian voyagers traveled to Hawaii, bringing with
them plants such as taro, bananas and other staples
to sustain themselves. Hawaii agriculture began with
small farms covering the islands, growing everything
from sweet potato to rice. Fishponds were created
along the coasts to raise fish and other seafood.
The plantation era witnessed
the boom decades of the sugar and pineapple
industries, expanding over thousands of acres of
prime agricultural lands. Fields of green spread far
and wide, contributing to the lush scenery that made
the islands so attractive to visitors.
Now, with the decline of the
sugar industry, these agricultural lands are
returning to a new era of small farms growing
diversified agricultural products. Crops such as
specialty exotic fruits, coffee, macadamia nuts,
flowers and foliage not only provide fresh produce
and flowers to Hawaii's markets, but also have become
major exports to destinations around the world. The
early fishponds have evolved into high-tech
aquaculture ventures, farming from the sea sumptuous
varieties of fish, shrimp, lobster, abalone, and
seaweed.
"Grown in Hawaii"
exports have gained recognition in foreign and
domestic markets and have become synonymous with
premium quality delicacies. The lure of Hawaii and
the reputation of our products have led to the
exportation of a host of fresh and manufactured
products to markets and stores abroad, especially in
Canada and Japan.
Increased efforts to expand the
market for Hawaii's agricultural products are also
progressing in unique ways. The development of Hawaii
Regional Cuisine, a blending of the flavors of East
and West, utilizes fresh island products, including
fresh fish and seafood, tropical fruits and
vegetables in new combinations.
How important is Hawaii's
agriculture today? Aside from the obvious benefits of
providing food and jobs, agriculture also plays a
major role in preserving Hawaii's precious green
space. As urban sprawl encroaches onto rural areas,
Hawaii agriculture keeps our islands lush and
vibrant.
Hawaii's leading industry,
tourism, also depends on agriculture. Each year,
millions of visitors from around the globe travel to
our state with the great expectation of viewing
spectacular landscapes of green vegetation. Trends in
the travel industry also show an increasing interest
in eco-tourism, farm tours and cultural experiences;
attractions that are all agriculturally based.
Agriculture in Hawaii is
evolving as economic and social factors change here
and globally. The future of local agriculture remains
full of economic potential. Therefore, support for
Hawaii agriculture has never been more important than
at present.
