Agribusiness Service Center
Establish an Agribusiness Service Center (ASC) in Hilo to facilitate increased services, information and support for small farms, businesses and non-profits on Hawai'i Island.
Agribusiness Service Center (ASC)
Purpose and Objectives
The proposed Agribusiness Service Center (ASC) will establish a centralized hub in Hilo specifically designed to increase the availability, accessibility, and affordability of critical agribusiness services for small- and medium-scale producers, businesses, and nonprofits across Hawaiʻi Island. By addressing the gaps identified through HIAP's comprehensive value chain analysis, the ASC will significantly enhance local producers’ capacity to improve efficiency, productivity, and market competitiveness.
Planned Core Services and Offerings
Drawing upon extensive stakeholder consultation, the ASC will target the following priority areas:
Business and Financial Services: Affordable bookkeeping, accounting, financial planning, and improved access to capital through tailored support for securing loans and grants.
Technical Assistance and Research: Crop and livestock management guidance, applied research demonstrations, and workshops specifically addressing local needs such as pest control, soil health, and sustainable practices.
Equipment Access and Maintenance: Reliable, affordable access to shared farm equipment and machinery, along with dedicated maintenance and repair support from trained technicians.
Training and Education: A comprehensive schedule of skill development courses covering both business management and agricultural techniques, structured to accommodate varying skill levels and flexible participation modes (e.g., online modules, workshops, hands-on trainings).
Certification and Compliance Assistance: Simplified guidance on navigating regulatory processes, obtaining certifications, and ensuring compliance with food safety, environmental regulations, and other necessary standards.
Marketing and Distribution Services: Collaborative initiatives designed to enhance market access, branding, consumer engagement strategies, and logistics support, connecting local producers to broader consumer bases and higher-value markets.
Operational Model and Stakeholder Involvement
The ASC will operate as a collaborative, multi-stakeholder initiative, involving government agencies, private sector service providers, educational institutions, nonprofits, and producer groups. Digital platforms and cooperative networks facilitated through the ASC will ensure seamless integration of service providers and effective service delivery to even remote or underserved producers. Regular consultation and feedback mechanisms will ensure ongoing alignment with stakeholder needs.
Ultimately, the ASC will function as both a physical and virtual nexus, enabling greater efficiency and reducing transaction costs for small producers, thus strengthening the local agricultural economy and significantly boosting resilience across the entire sector.