Who We Are

Enacted by the State Legislature in 1994, the Agribusiness Development Corporation is a state agency administratively attached to the Hawaii State Department of Agriculture.  It has its own board of directors consisting of three ex-officio and eight private citizens appointed by the Governor.

ADC’s Mission

To acquire and manage, in partnership with farmers, ranchers and aquaculture groups, selected high-value lands, water systems and infrastructure for commercial agricultural use and to direct research into areas that will lead to the development of new crops, markets and lower production costs.

What We Do For Hawaii

Rich agricultural lands are one of Hawaii’s greatest assets.  ADC’s role is to protect the future of agriculture in Hawaii by facilitating its transformation from a dual crop economy of sugar and pineapple to a multi-crop industry.  The breadth of ADC’s responsibilities includes transitioning former plantation lands and water systems to diversified long-term agricultural use, initiating and developing diversified agriculture facilities, and finding innovative solutions for issues facing the agricultural industry today.

ADC’s unique position enables it to coordinate Federal, State and private resources to maximize agribusiness opportunities.  Its exemptions from Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 171 regarding land use, as well as Public Utilities Commission regulations and civil service laws, and the ability to issue bonds and form subsidiaries, allow for greater flexibility in managing its programs.  ADC fosters the growth of agricultural enterprises across the state by providing affordable irrigation and long-term licenses or leases to tenants, which stimulates investment in agribusiness and enhances the viability of agriculture in Hawaii.

ADC achieves these important goals through diverse efforts, such as:

  • Acquiring and managing select high-value agricultural lands, water systems and infrastructure.
  • Acquiring agricultural conservation easements to protect certain valuable agricultural lands.
  • Organizing farmers and user into cooperatives that benefit from the participants’ common interests and collective efforts.
  • Forming subsidiaries to create private and public partnerships.
  • Assisting in acquiring or constructing processing and/or treatment facilities to enhance producers’ abilities to access export or value-added opportunities.
  • Informing, educating or training farmers on various industry practices such as food safety, production techniques and land uses.
  • Coordinating and cooperating with other government agencies, educational institutions and private organizations to advance agriculture in Hawaii.
  • Conducting research and demonstrative projects to facilitate the transfer of knowledge or adoption of technology.
  • Conducting economic and feasibility studies relating to agriculture.