Market Development Branch

The Department of Agriculture’s Market Development Branch facilitates the development of the agricultural industry through the expansion of new and existing markets. The team develops and identifies opportunities for Hawaii’s agricultural industry through the strategic use of promotions, grants, community outreach, tradeshows and educational missions locally, domestically (US Mainland) and internationally.

Promoting export growth of agricultural commodities from the state, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture leverages its “Made in Hawaii,” “Grown in Hawaii” and “Seal of Quality” branding programs. These programs provide consumers with assurance that the premium products are genuine, authentically Hawaii-grown or Hawaii-made and are guaranteed and certified by the State of Hawaii.

The HDOA’s Market Development Branch also manages two very successful grant programs:

Micro Grants For Food Security Program (MGFSP) are designed for small-scale gardening, herding and livestock operations to increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food in food-insecure communities.

Specialty Crops Block Grant Program (SCFSP) supports projects that provide the highest measurable benefits or return-on-investment to the specialty crop industry segment in Hawai‘i. Projects must enhance the competitiveness of Hawai‘i-grown specialty crops, in either the domestic or foreign markets. Preference is given to projects that measurably increase the production and/or consumption of specialty crops, and/or foster the development of fledging crops and organic operations.

PROGRAMS

The “Seal of Quality” Branding Program highlights genuine Hawaii-grown or Hawaii-made premium products. Find them by looking for our seal. Apply today!

hawaiisealofquality

We need to increase local production and food security! Keep our money and jobs in Hawaii! MDB promotes “Buy Local It Matters”

hawaiidepartmentofagriculture

MDB supports products Made in Hawaii with Aloha! 51% of costs must be incurred in the state. Apply today!

madeinhawaiiwithaloha

GRANTS AND FUNDING

Micro Grant for Food Security Program MGFSP Specialty Crop Block Grant Program SCBGP

HI NOW DAILY – KULA COUNTRY FARMS

Hi Now Daily visits Kula Country Farms – a 4^th generation Maui farm which grows premier produce and also conducts agricultural education programs and community events. They also help to market locally grown produce from neighboring farms. Mahalo to host, Lauren Teruya, for her enthusiastic support of Hawai‘i agriculture! Buy Local, It Matters!

These segments are produced through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the Market Development Branch of the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture.

Link to Youtube video: Hi Now Daily segment 1 - Kula Country Farms

Link to Youtube video: Hi Now Daily segment 2 - Kula Country Farms

Link to Youtube video: Hi Now Daily segment 3 - Kula Country Farms

Hi Now Daily segment 1 – Kula Country Farms

Hi Now Daily segment 2 – Kula Country Farms

Hi Now Daily segment 3 – Kula Country Farms

FARMER’S MARKETS

Visit the listing provided by the Hawaii Farm Bureau https://hfbf.org/farmers-markets/ .

TRADESHOWS

MDB Coordinates the following trade shows in Hawaii, the mainland and in global markets. This is a great way to gain connections, make leads, and find new opportunities. Use a quick and easy online booth application form to express your intention to participate. MDB will contact you to discuss the qualifications and application fee. Complete a booth application form to express your interest.

Winter Fancy Food Show (specialtyfood.com): January 21-23, 2024 in Las Vegas, NV “Sold Out”
GULFOOD (gulfood.com): February 19-24, 2024 in Dubai UAE “Sold Out”
FOODEX (jma.or.jp/foodex/en): March 3-5, 2024 in Tokyo Japan “Sold Out”
National Restaurant Association Show (nationalrestaurantshow.com): May 18-21, 2024 in Chicago, IL
Fine Food Australia (finefoodaustralia.com): September 2024 in Melbourne, AUS
The Global Produce and Floral Show (freshproduce.com): October 17-19, 2024 in Atlanta, GA
2025 Winter Fancy Food Show (specialtyfood.com), TO BE DETERMINED

WUSATA (Western United States Trade Association)

Participate in one of the activities below for help to explore, enter, and expand into the global marketplace. For more information about these activities, check the WUSATA website: https://www.wusata.org/.