Advocacy groups, such as the Sierra Club and the Hawaii Food Policy Council, consider the loss of these important farmland to be catastrophic. This is due to the fact that these areas are often subject to urban development, as seen in places like Hoopili and Koa Ridge on Oahu. In order to create the right environment for diversified agriculture to thrive, the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) works to bundle all of the necessary agricultural services. This includes providing farmers with access to resources such as irrigation systems, greenhouses, and other infrastructure.
Additionally, it involves providing farmers with access to markets and other outlets for their products. The ADC also promotes sustainable agricultural practices. This includes encouraging farmers to use organic fertilizers and pesticides, as well as promoting crop rotation and other methods of soil conservation. By doing so, they hope to ensure that Oahu's agricultural production is not only profitable but also environmentally friendly.
When it comes to animal feed, Oahu's agricultural production is an important source. According to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, livestock feed accounts for approximately 10% of all agricultural production on Oahu. This includes feed for cattle, pigs, chickens, and other animals. The majority of this feed is produced on Oahu itself, although some feed is imported from other parts of Hawaii or from mainland United States.
In addition to providing animal feed, Oahu's agricultural production also provides food for humans. Fruits and vegetables are a major part of Oahu's agricultural production, accounting for approximately 40% of all agricultural production on the island. Other crops grown on Oahu include coffee, sugarcane, macadamia nuts, and flowers. The controversy surrounding urban development of agricultural land highlights some of the inherent conflicts between agriculture and development.
It is important for policymakers to consider both sides when making decisions about land use in order to ensure that Oahu's agricultural production remains viable in the future.
