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

Buy Local, It Matters logo

 

 

 

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!

 

 Hawaii seal of Quality logo“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.

 

 Made in Hawaii with Aloha logoDifferentiate Hawaii products from products made elsewhere yet called Made in Hawaii. 51% or more cost must be incurred in the state

 

 

 

 

 picture of mixed veggies

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!

2021 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Accepting Proposals

A request for proposals is now open for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

For information on the block grant and how to apply, go to: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/add/main/scbgp2021/

The deadline to apply is noon on February 12, 2021

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

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.

UPDATE: We know that many are anxiously awaiting the opening of the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP) for small-scale agriculture, just as we are at HDOA. Unfortunately, we have experienced a delay in the administration of the micro-grant program. The Market Development Branch (MDB) hopes to open the request for proposals for this grant in February.

As this is a brand new grant program, there have been some critical issues that we are working to iron out with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the State of Alaska, which is also included in this federal grant program.

Please know that the Market Development Branch understands the great interest in this program and we want to make sure that the application and award process is as clear and well-defined as possible. We will update this webpage as more information becomes available. 

In anticipation of the opening of the grant program, MDB has outlined what will be required of applicants once the grant program is open.  To view the requirements, go to: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/add/main/mgfsp/

Mahalo for your patience and understanding!

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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

 

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

 

WUSATA logo

 

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

RESOURCES

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]