By Martha Diaz
Oops! I want to go home!
Agriculture has always had a special place in Hawaii history and continues to be an important industry, generating $2.9 billion to the state's annual economy and directly and indirectly providing 42,000 jobs.
Hawaii�s mild, tropical climate allows for year-round agricultural production with minimal seasonal influences resulting in rich soil. These favorable conditions allow for agriculture to be a major force in the economy of Hawaii, with a value of island grown commodities at approximately $500 million. Hawaii�s farmland covers about 40% of the island�s total area. Although sugarcane is the largest and most valuable crop of this state, pineapples grown mainly in Maui, are the second most important crop. In recent years other farms growing diversified agricultural products have made a comeback. Crops such as exotic fruits, coffee, macademia nuts, and foliage not only find themselves in the islands market, but are being exported to other countries as well. Hawaii�s agricultural producs have become synonimous of quality, and as such are well recognized in the international market; specially in Canada and Japan.
Hawaii is now host to more than 20 certified organic farms and production facilities. Some of the crops grown on these farms include organically grown: coffee, avocado, banana, taro, pineapple, citrus, and a large variety of greens and vegetables.
The island of Hawaii has several large cattle ranches. Livestock is now gaining more economic ground in this state. On the island of Oahu, dairy and egg farms are a major source of farm income. Also, the islands of Maui and Kauai raise cattle and hogs.
Hawaii is not only known for its excellent production of produce and cattle, but also for its aquaculture. Early fishponds created by Polinesian settlers have now evolved into large high-tech aquaculture ventures. These farms produce large amounts of different varieties fish, shrimp, lobster, abalone, and seaweed.
Agriculture is not only important to Hawaii�s economy due to revenues from production and exportation. Agriculture also increases the amount of green space, which atttracts many tourists. In addition, it restrains industries from propagating which keeps the island�s �charm� alive.