In a move poised to strengthen Maui's agricultural sector, the Hawai‘i Farm Project and the Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative have announced a strategic partnership. This collaboration will establish a centralized location on Maui for processing ‘ulu, a traditional Hawaiian staple also known as breadfruit. The initiative is designed to support farmers by providing a convenient processing hub and streamlining the supply chain.
The Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative, formed in 2016, is a farmer-owned business working to revitalize ‘ulu as a viable crop and dietary staple Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative. The cooperative has grown to include over 150 member-farms across multiple islands, showcasing the increasing interest in ‘ulu cultivation eatbreadfruit.com. By working together, the cooperative's farmers can offer consistent, high-quality products that are delicious, versatile, local, healthy, accessible, and sustainable. This partnership with the Hawaiʻi Farm Project further enhances their ability to support farmers and expand market reach. The co-op is committed to the revival of ʻulu to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s food security and to the value of mālama ʻāina – care or protection of the earth – by using environmentally responsible production methods.
This partnership provides several key benefits for Maui's agricultural community. By aggregating and processing ‘ulu in one location, logistics are simplified for farmers, reducing the time and resources required to bring their harvest to market. This streamlined approach can lead to increased efficiency and higher profit margins for local growers. Moreover, the initiative promotes sustainable farming practices and supports the local economy by focusing on a native crop. The Hawai‘i ʻUlu Cooperative is also committed to using environmentally responsible production methods. According to Overstory Hawaii, the co-op has nearly 200 members that steward over 7,000 ‘ulu trees on four islands.
For entrepreneurs and investors, this partnership presents opportunities in several areas. Value-added product development using ‘ulu, such as flour, chips, and prepared meals, could see significant growth. Supporting infrastructure, including transportation and storage solutions, may also present attractive investment possibilities. Furthermore, the emphasis on sustainability and local sourcing aligns with growing consumer demand for ethical and environmentally friendly products, making it an attractive prospect for those in the food and beverage industry. With the goal to empower farmers as change-makers in Hawaiʻi’s food system, this partnership will help strengthen Hawaiʻi's food security feed-hunger.com.
