Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture will soon invite the public to weigh in on what farmers should be allowed to do on land they lease from the state.

Last year, food producers invested less in security than in 2019 — and the results were somewhat predictable. The data only scratches the surface, according to agricultural leaders.

Lawmakers are pushing for a comprehensive plan to address Hawaiʻi’s overreliance on imported foods and the growing number of residents who can’t afford groceries.

Māmaki producers say they support efforts to protect Hawaiʻi-grown products but fear this bill could put companies out of business.

Federal data shows the state’s once large seed industry has reduced in size while becoming more lucrative.

Some fear the state Department of Agriculture does not have what it takes to do the work laid out for it by the Legislature.

The state watchdog could get behind a more modest increase if public utility regulators investigate the interisland shipper’s relationship with its parent company.

Mālama Kauaʻi, which runs its own food hub, is embracing the challenge of making farming as accessible and streamlined as possible on a newly leased plot near Kapaʻa. But it won’t be easy.

The USDA decision has led to lost jobs, confusion and a setback on climate initiatives in the agricultural sector.

On the Garden Isle, an essential ingredient to the Mai Tai, lūʻaus and many local dishes is in short supply, driving businesses to buy out Costco’s weekly supply in minutes.