Papayas

Papayas remain a significant staple crop for Hawai'i Island, though recent years have seen a mixed performance in terms of production and value. In 2023, the statewide value of utilized papaya production reached $6.5 million, showing a slight improvement of 4% from the previous year. However, production volumes decreased by 12% to 10.25 million pounds, with utilized production falling by 3% to 9.54 million pounds. The industry experienced a record average price of 68 cents per pound in 2023, marking a slight increase from previous years. While these data highlight fluctuations in production and market conditions, the long-term trends reveal challenges that papaya growers face, including volatile production levels and market prices.

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Production on Hawai'i Island accounts for the majority of the state’s papaya production, with a substantial portion of the state's bearing acreage located here. The USDA Agricultural Census of 2022 reported 473 acres of papaya-bearing land on the island, a significant reduction from 766 acres in 2017. This decline mirrors a broader statewide trend of diminishing acreage and fluctuating yields, largely attributed to environmental challenges such as volcanic activity, flooding, and pests. In 2019, papaya-bearing acreage statewide dropped to 690 acres, reflecting a 14% decline, while the yield per acre increased by 31%, indicating that farmers are managing to sustain higher productivity on smaller plots of land. Papayas harvested but not sold also pose a challenge, with 710,000 pounds remaining unutilized in 2023.

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While the market price for papayas has improved in recent years, the challenges that growers face have been significant. The effects of natural disasters, particularly the 2018 Kilauea volcanic eruption and heavy flooding in major growing regions, have caused a reduction in acreage and persistent impacts on production. The erratic weather conditions, combined with an increase in pests and diseases, have constrained the industry’s ability to rebound fully. Nonetheless, the strong demand for Hawaiian papayas, known for their quality and unique flavor profile, offers opportunities for recovery as farmers explore ways to stabilize yields and enhance market access.

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Key Takeaways

• In 2023, the value of utilized papaya production reached $6.5 million, a slight increase from the previous year, while total production decreased by 12%.

• Hawai'i Island accounts for the majority of the state’s papaya production, with the USDA reporting 473 acres of papaya-bearing land in 2022, a significant decrease from 766 acres in 2017.

• Environmental challenges, including volcanic activity, flooding, and pests, have contributed to fluctuations in production and declining acreage.

• Papaya farmers are increasingly focused on improving yields per acre and stabilizing production despite the reduced land area under cultivation.

• The long-term trends reflect both the volatility of papaya production and the potential for recovery as market conditions improve.