Residents of Pearl City and surrounding areas can now enjoy fresh, locally produced milk, thanks to a collaboration between Farm Link Hawaii and Meadow Gold Dairies.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in revitalizing Hawaii's dairy industry, which has faced numerous challenges over the past decades.

In the 1980s, Hawaii boasted over 20 dairies supplying the majority of the state's milk.

However, rising feed and land costs, stringent environmental regulations, and competition from mainland imports led to a sharp decline in local production.

By the 2000s, most dairies had closed, leaving the state heavily reliant on imported milk.

The closure of Big Island Dairy in 2019 further exacerbated the situation, leaving Cloverleaf Farm in Kohala as the state's sole commercial dairy.

Founded in 1962 with just 25 cows, Cloverleaf has persevered by modernizing operations and maintaining a local market on Hawaii Island.

Now, Cloverleaf is supplying fresh milk to Meadow Gold, which processes it at its Hilo facility.

The product is available through Farm Link Hawaii's online marketplace and delivery service, bringing 100% local milk to Oahu consumers for the first time since 2019.

Meadow Gold's Island Fresh Milk, now including the Cloverleaf-sourced product, is pasteurized using the industry-standard high-temperature, short-time method.

It bears the state Department of Agriculture's Island Fresh symbol, certifying its local origin.

For residents of Pearl City, this means access to fresh, locally produced milk that supports the renewal of the islands' dairy farmers.

Orders can be placed through Farm Link Hawaii's website, with delivery options available to Pearl City and other Oahu communities.

This initiative not only provides consumers with fresher milk but also contributes to reducing the state's reliance on mainland imports, promoting sustainability and supporting local agriculture.

As the last remaining dairy processor in the state, Meadow Gold is well-positioned to invest more into local manufacturing and help revitalize Hawaii's dairy industry.

By choosing local milk, consumers play a vital role in supporting the growth and sustainability of Hawaii's agricultural sector.