Hawaii agricultural exports down 3% in 2007

by S. C.

Hawaii agriculture exports to the Mainland totaled $416.5 million in 2007, down 2 percent from 2006, according to the latest annual estimate from the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Exports to foreign countries were valued at $87.6 million in 2007, down 6 percent from the previous year.

The total value of Hawaii agricultural exports fell nearly 3 percent from $518.3 million in 2006 to $504 million in 2007.

Mainland export value of raw sugar was down 5.2 percent from $74.8 million in 2006 to $70.9 million in 2007.

Molasses was up $5.4 million in 2007. Floriculture and nursery product exports rang in at $53.2 million, up 11 percent from $47.9 million in 2006.

Cattle exports rose from $19.1 million to $19.5 million for the year. Diversified agriculture exports made up the bulk of the value at $267.3 million, down 4 percent from $278.4 million in 2006.

Foreign exports value were led by diversified agriculture at $38.6 million and followed closely by fruits, fruit juices and fruit products, totaling $38.4 million. Livestock exports saw a slight increase, up to $2.7 million from $2.4 million the year before.

Tree nut exports increased from $7.6 million in 2006 to $7.9 million in 2007. Other foreign exports saw a jump from $33.4 million to $38.6 million.