Promotion of the agriculture industry in partnership with agricultural organizations remains an important way to support this key sector of our economy. OED continues its partnerships with both the Maui County Farm Bureau (MCFB) and the Maui Flower Growers Associations (MFGA). These organizations serve as an umbrella to other agriculture organizations such as the Maui Onion Growers Association (MOGA), Maui Association of Landscape Professionals (MALP), the Hawaii Organic Farmers Association (HOFA) and the Hawaii Tropical Flower Council and the Protea Growers Cooperative, respectively.

OED recognizes the challenges facing our agriculture industry. These challenges include low yield on investment forcing farm closure and lands left fallow (Pioneer Mill's sugar operation in Lahaina), more stringent safety and health regulations, increased competition from other growers (both nationally and internationally), and the need for greater business acumen and utilization of technology coupled with increased marketing efforts. The farmers/growers are realizing their need to do more research into niche marketing and the need for consistency and quality with their own products. With the help from various partners, OED aims to provide opportunities for networking and education for the agriculture community.

To assist the Maui Flower Growers Association with their exporting efforts, OED has provided grant funding to assist in the construction of a hot air conditioning chamber and hot water immersion unit for de-infestation of tropical flowers and other commodities. A location for this facility is currently being sought in East Maui in order to better serve their membership.

"Marketing in the New Millennium" (Agriculture Marketing Workshop)

OED partnered with the Maui County Farm Bureau, Maui Flower Growers Association, Maui Farmers' Cooperative Exchange, and CTAHR/Cooperative Extension Service to host an all-day workshop that aimed to touch on various marketing opportunities available to the agriculture community. The Committee's goal was to present different types of marketing efforts (e.g. mainland, state-wide, and local) and perspectives. Presenters included: Norman Teixeira, owner of Teixeira Farms in California; Dean Okimoto of Nalo Farms on Oahu; Chuck Boerner owner of Ono Organic Farms in Hana; Jim Hollyer from UH Manoa; Brandon Mahoney, Executive Chef at the Maui Marriott; Jacque Pauvert, owner of Jacques' Bistro and Jacques' on the Beach; Denzyl Feigelson of the Hana Flower Company; and Dick Cook of the Pearl Harbor Commissary. This event provided a vast array of information to the attendees along with networking opportunities. Follow-up workshops are planned based on the interests conveyed through a survey completed by the attendees.

Other promotional activities and programs which received support from OED are:

• the Ulupalakua Agricultural Trade Show and Sampling;
• Maui Onion Festival;
• East Maui Taro Festival;
• Kipahulu's Kalena Triangle improvements; and
• the Hawaii State Farm Bureau Federation Convention held on Maui.

Kula Agricultural Park

OED also serves as the County's land management entity for the Kula Agricultural Park on Pulehu Road. The purpose of the Ag Park program is to promote the development of diversified agriculture by providing appropriately sized agricultural lots at reasonable rent with long-term tenure thereby contributing to the economic growth of our agriculture industry. The Park consists of 31 farm lots ranging in size from 7 acres to 29 acres for a total of 445.45 acres. Two lots became vacant and were filled during this budget year. The Park is currently at capacity.