OVERCOMING RISKS TO FULLY COMMERCIALIZE BREADFRUIT MANUFACTURING AND MARKETING THROUGH A COOPERATIVE FRAMEWORK TO SUPPORT SMALL, DIVERSIFIED FARMERS

The proposed project aims to: 1) Identify optimal technological solutions to effectively and economically extend breadfruit shelflife post-harvest for small farmers and farmer organizations; 2) Increase efficiency, quality, and capacity of HUC's "wet" process line to support manufacturing of 500,000 pounds of frozen breadfruit per year; 3) Increase efficiency, quality, and capacity of HUC's "dry" process line to support manufacturing of 500,000 pounds of breadfruit flour per year; and 4) Refine brand messaging and assess whether third party certifications may increase consumer demand and/or willingness to pay for Hawai?i breadfruit products. More broadly, this effort supports the wellbeing 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. 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 grown or has potential to be established.?