Hawaii's agricultural sector is facing growing uncertainty as the federal government shutdown, delayed U.S. Farm Bill renewal, and policy shifts disrupt farming, ranching, and food security programs.
The Hawaii Senate Committee on Judiciary and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment held a briefing to assess how recent federal changes, tariffs, and budget adjustments are affecting local production and exports. Farmers report delays in USDA loans, frozen research funds, and export disruptions, while social service providers warn that cuts to nutrition programs could deepen food insecurity.
"Over the past year, we've seen a series of federal policy adjustments and funding realignments that reshape the agricultural landscape nationwide," said Brian Miyamoto, executive director of the Hawaii Farm Bureau. "While these steps are part of a larger fiscal strategy at the federal level, they have created some unintended consequences for states like Hawaii, where agriculture operates under a very different set of conditions."
The shutdown has left many USDA offices closed or understaffed, halting disaster assistance, loan approvals, and export certifications. "For producers managing perishable crops or livestock shipments, even a short interruption can have lasting financial impacts," Miyamoto said.
The Oahu Resource Conservation and Development Council estimates Hawaii could lose up to US$175 million in agricultural funding, with US$64.7 million already halted since March. Amanda Shaw, the council's director of food systems, said farmers have delayed or reduced operations as cost-share programs stall. She also cited rising uncertainty over reduced USDA staffing and cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.
Since September 2024, USDA staffing in Hawaii has fallen 18%, with another 20–30% reduction expected nationwide, according to Shaw.
Hawaii Foodbank president and CEO Amy Miller said SNAP reductions and inflation are increasing local food insecurity. "Right now, about 165,000 people, or 85,000 households, receive SNAP benefits here in Hawaii," she said. "Just this past October, we saw SNAP benefits drop by 2%. This is due to some changes in the calculation for how much a thrifty meal costs in Hawaii."
Trade issues are also weighing on the sector. The Synergistic Hawaii Agriculture Council reported a 10% drop in agricultural exports in the first half of 2025, with macadamia nut and coffee sales down up to 32%. A 22% tariff on nuts exported to China has reduced competitiveness, while higher input and packaging costs further pressure producers.
Between fiscal years 2024 and 2025, Hawaii lost about US$22 million in federal agricultural grants, including US$4.8 million for Molokai energy projects and US$3 million for water infrastructure. While the state secured US$13.5 million in grants for 2026–2027, key programs remain suspended.
Miyamoto said stabilizing Hawaii's agriculture will require stronger coordination between federal, state, and local partners to reduce dependence on imports and federal aid.
Source: West Hawaii Today
