Beginning with a single market in Lihu‘e nearly forty years ago, the County of Kaua‘i developed a network of neighborhood farmers’ markets. The markets operate on county property in Koloa, Kalaheo, Hanapepe, Lihu‘e, Kapa‘a, Kilauea and Kekaha six days of
Beginning with a single market in Lihu‘e nearly forty years ago, the County of Kaua‘i developed a network of neighborhood farmers’ markets.
The markets operate on county property in Koloa, Kalaheo, Hanapepe, Lihu‘e, Kapa‘a, Kilauea and Kekaha six days of the week.
Recently the markets expanded their traditional produce offerings with some value-added products.
The Sunshine Markets, in adhering to the original intent of the markets, now permit value-added offerings strictly limited to items produced by the grower in contrast to some of the other markets offering prepared foods that do not come from a local farm.
The nexus between the product and the farm is a critical determinant in obtaining a county value-added permit.
Voluntarily reported sales for the Sunshine Markets in 2012 were $28,000 short of $1 million for the year, and over the life of the markets, Kaua‘i farmers have reported sales of upwards of $10 million.
Sales have generally trended up every year except for two years following Hurricane ‘Iniki in 1992, when the agriculture industry was devastated.
The fact that the simpler Sunshine Markets have prospered in the highly competitive environment of ever-increasing number of upscale markets is a testament to the value, range and quality of the produce offered.
The markets have relied heavily on volunteer coordinators buttressed recently by a grant funded market monitor with extensive experience in the produce business enabling the markets to offer approximately 8,000 vendor days in a typical year — one vendor selling in one market is a vendor day.
Like most farmers’ markets, the Sunshine Markets have their share of resellers and scofflaws, and Office of Economic Development has strengthened the market rules in the process of making rules for the admission of value added products.
We look forward to extending our partnership with our farmers and patrons and to providing valuable opportunities and experiences to both.
