Market Development Branch
The mission of the Market Development Branch is to facilitate the development of the agricultural industry, consisting of commodity groups of agricultural producers and food processors, through the expansion of new and existing markets. This branch assists Hawaii producers by sponsoring or participating in numerous projects and activities.
MARKETING PROGRAMS
Hawaii heavily depends on imported food. We need to increase local production and food security. Keep our money and jobs in Hawaii. We promote “Buy Local It Matters” campaign!
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 “Seal of Quality” Branding Program. True Hawaii-grown or Hawaii-made premium products with over 51% Hawaii ingredients will qualify for the program. Asian market loves official credential.
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 Differentiate Hawaii products from products made elsewhere yet called Made in Hawaii. 51% or more cost must be incurred in the state
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Hawaii Agriculture & Food Products Directory
Looking for sources of Hawaii-Grown, Hawaii-Made agricultural products?
HDOA has upgraded the searchable database of local farmers, vendors and products.
If you have a Hawaii-grown or Hawaii-made product and would like to be added to this listing please go to this database. |
WHAT’S NEW!
Micro-Grants for Food Security Program
On Oct. 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded Hawaii $1.9 million for the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program which was established to help small-scale farmers, ranchers and ag-related organizations increase the quality and quantity of locally produced foods in areas that are food insecure.
The Hawai`i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is now accepting applications for the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program, which provides support for small-scale gardening, herding and livestock operations to help produce food in areas that are insecure.
Information on the Request for Proposals may be found at the Hawai‘i State Procurement website at: https://hands.ehawaii.gov/hands/opportunities/opportunity-details/20023 . The maximum award for an individual is $5,000 for a project of 12 months, $2,500 for a six-month project. Under the grant program rules, religious organization, food banks and food pantries may also apply. Applications/proposals must be emailed to [email protected] and received by noon, April 23, 2021.
Examples of the types of activities that may be funded under this grant include
- Small-Scale Gardening – purchase tools or equipment, soil, seeds, plants, canning equipment, refrigeration, composting equipment, towers, hydroponic and aeroponic farming.
- Small-Scale Herding and Livestock Operations – purchase animals, buy, erect or repair fencing for livestock, activities or supplies associated with setting up or equipping a slaughter and processing facility, including purchasing mobile slaughterhouses.
- Expanding Access to Food and Knowledge of Food Security – create or expand avenues for the sale of food commodities – includes paying for shipping of purchased items related to growing or raising food for local consumption.
To assist interested parties with the application requirements, a Zoom webinar was held on March 16, 2021 and a recording of the webinar may be viewed on HDOA’s YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNn6m5OjCdQ
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Additional information, including Frequently Asked Questions are available at the grant portal at: https://hands.ehawaii.gov/hands/opportunities/opportunity-details/20023
Eligible proposals will be reviewed by a panel in each county and awards are expected to be announced in May 2021, with first disbursement of funds expected in July 2021.
Questions regarding the application process may addressed to HDOA’s Market Development Branch at (808) 973-9595 or email: [email protected]
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Marketing Assistance Zoom Session
The Market Development Branch held a Zoom session on the Hawaii Seals of Quality Program, Made in Hawaii with Aloha program, and other marketing assistance programs. To view the Zoom session, go to the HDOA YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/3IBCEY4_5Nc
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EAT LOCAL CAMPAIGN ON HI NOW
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New land availability fact sheet available for all islands
GoFarm Hawai‘i and The Kohala Center collaborated to publish a land availability fact sheet to help farmers identify land they can lease or purchase in every county. The fact sheet is available to view and download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B56HBPH-y_7pTTcwV0p2N0lqeWFCXzJGci1FejlHalJuRFlF/view
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DISH ALOHA VIDEOS
Anissa Estrella, former staff member of the Market Development Branch, produced several videos to promote locally grown and produced foods. View the videos.
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BUY LOCAL, IT MATTERS PSAs
HDOA has produced several public service announcements for the Buy Local, It Matters campaign to encourage consumers to increase their consumption of locally grown foods and to support our Hawaii farmers.
View the PSAs.
TRADE SHOWS & EVENTS
HDOA Coordinates the following trade shows in Hawaii, mainland and global markets in 2020.Don’t miss this golden opportunity to be a part of Hawaii Pavilion in the major food trade shows!
Trade shows 2021
- PMA Fresh Summit Convention + Expo 2021, October 28-30, New Orleans, LA Application Deadline: 1/15/21
Use a quick & easy on-line booth application form to express your intention to participate. One of our representatives will contact you to discuss about qualification and application fee. APPLY NOW!
FUNDING
- Request for Proposals for Import Replacement Specialty Crop Program (NEW!)
- USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)
- USDA Organic Cost Sharing Program
- Organic Foods Production Tax Credit Program
- HDOA Sponsorship Product Promotion (SPP)
- http://spo3.hawaii.gov/notices/notices
- https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/occsp
LIST OF WUSATA ACTIVITIES FOR 2021
We work with Western United States Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA). We help agribusinesses explore, enter and expand into the global market place
- Japan Virtual Trade Mission (February 9)
- Korea Outbound Mission to Seoul (May 10-12)
- ASEAN Specialty Beverage Inbound Mission to AK, HI (June 21-25)
- Korea Retail Inbound Trade Mission to OR & HI (June 7-11)
- Taiwan Retail Gifts/Packaging Outbound Trade Mission (June 7-11)
- China Consumer Oriented Inbound Trade Mission to WA, HI (July 25-30)
- Australia Retail Inbound Mission to CO, HI (October 10-16)
For more information on those activities, check WUSATA website: https://www.wusata.org/
PROJECTS
- Buy Local, It Matters Vegetable and Fruits Seasonality Chart
- Hawaii Agriculture and Food Products Directory : A database of Hawaii agricultural producers and products
- Farmers’ Market Listing : The most comprehensive listing of farmers’ markets around the state.
RESOURCES
- Buy Local, It Matters – Eat Local Food Hacks
- Top 10 Imported Commodities to Hawaii – Provides data for local farmers who wish to grow and replace these imported foods.
- Ag Calendar – A listing of future ag-related events
- Breadfruit- From Tree to Consumer (2014)
- Breadfruit Marketing Materials
- Breadfruit Informational Video
PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU ARE:
Hawaii producer of an agricultural product or a manufacturer of a food product looking for promotional assistance or a market for your product, or:
- company wanting to be included or update information in our Hawaii Agriculture & Food Products Directory; fill out our Product Registration Form, or
- an individual or firm engaged in marketing an agriculture or food product from Hawaii and needing marketing information, or
- a non-profit agricultural or food manufacturing commodity association needing assistance in generic product promotion.
CONTACT
- Hawaii Department of Agriculture
From left: Andrew Phomsouvanh, Nicole Pfeffer, Sharon Hurd, Marci Clingan, Karen Sur, Yukashi Smith
Agricultural Development Division
Market Development Branch
1428 South King Street
Honolulu, HI, 96814-2512 - Phone: (808) 973-9595
Fax: (808) 973-9590
E-mail: [email protected]
