AGRICULTURE and TOURISM Mix to Create a HEALTHY ECONOMY

What do you get when you cross agriculture and tourism? You get AgriTourism and its fast becoming serious business all over Hawai`i. Fruit, Flower, Vegetable and Livestock farmers are drawing visitors from near and far, helping to preserve farms, create jobs, and boost the overall economy. It’s the merging of Hawai`i’s Top two industries together to create something that is truly sustainable.

AgriTourism is helping farmers and others who have agricultural establishments with a supplemental income by providing a niche market. It is allowing farmers to take their traditional agricultural practices and apply them in some nontraditional ways, focusing on engaging the visitor with something that is both educational and enjoyable.

AgriTourism is nothing new. Family and friends have visited farms all over Hawai`i from before the plantation era. What is new is the focus that state and local tourism and economic development groups are placing on this aspect of agriculture. The time for AgriTourism is right, as more people seek to buy locally grown food and become more health conscious. Consumers want to go to the farms, meet the people who grow their food and see where it comes from. This interest alone has sparked a large movement to opening farms to the public for educational purposes that can also be rejuvenating and relaxing at the same time.

If you are involved with any aspect of agriculture or are in the visitor industry, either as a tour company, or tour operator, and are interested in AgriTourism as a way to sustain or diversify your farm or business, you will want to be a member of the Hawai`i AgriTourism Association. You can sign up by logging on to www.hiagtourism.org

We have members on every island to answer your questions and help you become a member of this new and exciting statewide organization. Here are the contacts by island:

Oahu – Jill Coryell 808-637-9995 –
Hawaii Island – Ken Love 808-323-2417 –
Maui – Lani Weigert 808-283-3777 –
Molokai – Brenda Kaneshiro 808-558-8204 –
Lanai – Alberta deJetley 808-565-9331 –
Kauai – Darla Domingo 808- 635-6195 -

We look forward to welcoming you as a member of our organization. Sign up today and become a part of creating Hawai‘i's Healthy Economy!"

Mahalo!