What can the public do to help get more land zoned for agriculture?

How many farmer's markets are in Hawaii?
Do local farmers struggle to make a living?
How many farmers are in Hawaii (or on each island)?

To help get more land zoned for agriculture, the public can take the following steps:

1. Get involved in local government: Attend town hall meetings, city council meetings, or any relevant community events where zoning policies are discussed. Voice your support for agricultural zoning and express the importance of preserving and expanding farmland.

2. Collaborate with local organizations: Join or support local agricultural organizations, environmental groups, or sustainable farming initiatives that advocate for agricultural zoning. These groups often have established networks and campaigns to influence zoning decisions.

3. Engage with elected officials: Write letters, make phone calls, or schedule meetings with your elected representatives at the local, state, and national levels. Share your concerns about the need for more agricultural land and encourage them to prioritize zoning policies that support farming communities.

4. Educate and raise awareness: Spread awareness about the importance of agriculture and the need for more agricultural land in your community. Utilize social media, organize community events, or participate in educational programs to highlight the benefits of local farming and the impacts of zoning decisions.

Regarding the number of farmer's markets in Hawaii, the best way to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information is to conduct a search on relevant websites or use specific directories like the Hawaii Farm Bureau's website, Visit Hawaii, or the official website of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. Additionally, local community organizations or regional agricultural boards might have updated lists of farmer's markets.

To determine if local farmers struggle to make a living, there are a few ways to approach this:

1. Research local reports and studies: Look for reports or studies conducted on the economic viability of farming in Hawaii. These reports often provide insights into the challenges faced by local farmers and their financial situations.

2. Connect with local farming organizations: Reach out to local farming organizations, such as the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation or agricultural cooperatives, and inquire about the economic challenges farmers face. They can provide first-hand insights into the struggles and hardships experienced by local farmers.

3. Attend farmers' meetings or events: Engage with the farming community by attending meetings or events where farmers often gather. Network and talk with farmers directly to gain an understanding of their challenges, experiences, and the state of their livelihoods.

Determining the exact number of farmers in Hawaii or on each island may require contacting official agencies or organizations responsible for agricultural statistics. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) often compile agricultural census data. By visiting their websites, you can locate relevant reports or contact their offices to obtain the most accurate and recent information on the number of farmers in Hawaii.