_{IMPACT – Why should you invest your time in this service project?}

Hawai‘i currently imports the majority of its food, fertilizers, energy, and seeds, leaving the islands particularly vulnerable to economic disruptions, fuel price fluctuations, catastrophic natural disasters, water scarcity, and other climate- related events. Increasing Hawai‘i’s capacity to produce and sell local food will help reduce Hawai‘i’s vulnerability to these external pressures.

A sustainable food system in Hawai‘i can support both traditional farming practices while creating new economic models for marketable products.

Local food production is on a downward trend. This trend may be attributed to environmental factors such as soil conditions, drought, and natural and man-made disasters. Other factors include the availability of farm and labor workers, land for farming, and associated costs of water and electricity (to pump the water).