Hawai'i 'Ulu Producers Cooperative (HUC) is an agricultural cooperative in Hawai'i with 148 current members across four islands who operate small, diversified farms. HUC's mission is to revitalize breadfruit ('ulu in Hawaiian) as a viable crop and dietary staple food by building a sustainable breadfruit industry that supports the economic success of small and mid-sized farms in Hawai'i. The co-op comprises the largest breadfruit producer group in the state. As a result of the Small and Mid-Sized Farms Phase I R&D project, HUC has successfully commercialized several lines of value-added breadfruit products that are currently available on the market. The proposed Phase II project will advance HUC's effort to scale from pilot to commercial-level breadfruit production, processing and marketing of at least 1 million pounds per year aggregated from small, diversified farms. Commercialization of breadfruit at this scale has not yet been achieved globally. The Phase II technical objectives aim to identify technical solutions to extend breadfruit shelflife post-harvest through scientific research supported by Dr. Noa Lincoln and the University of Hawai'i at M'noa Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory; increase efficiency, quality, and capacity of both "wet" and "dry" processing through consultation with a food manufacturing specialist, specialized equipment testing, and product analysis by a local microbiology lab; and refine market knowledge through qualitative and quantitative consumer survey methods conducted by a professional marketing firm in order to optimize brand messaging and position small farmers to maximize their returns. Project results will have direct relevance for small breadfruit farmers and their communities throughout Hawai'i and elsewhere in the nation and internationally where the crop is or can be grown. More broadly, this project supports the well being of Hawai'i's rural communities and institutions, as it creates economic incentives for improved stewardship of our natural resources while laying the groundwork for a new commercial industry focused on indigenous staple crops that provide long-term food security, health and nutrition, climate resilience, and cultural restoration. One of the keys to HUC's competitive strategy is the cooperative business model, which supports advancement of equity and opportunity for small farms owned largely by socially and economically disadvantaged minorities and women. All of the co-op's members are small-scale farms and about 70% are owned by disadvantaged groups. Outcomes from the Phase 2 project will strengthen HUC's existing core competencies as the co-op scales up in its Phase III commercialization efforts. Once fully commercialized, in addition to profit distribution, small farmers supplying the co-op will receive $16-28 million in direct income between 2025-2035 depending on crop mix harvested. Additional economic contributions to Hawai'i's agricultural sector will result from the innovations developed and support creation and retention of at least 200 on-farm jobs along with 30+ co-op employees.
