The University of Hawaii Leeward Community College's Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center held its grand opening on Friday, April 12.
The 33,000-square-foot food production facility includes processing, packaging, shipping and receiving areas, as well as multiple kitchens, refrigerated storage, a lanai with a demonstration kitchen, and a classroom, according to LCC's website. It will be used by entrepreneurs, farmers and students.
"This is going to affect farmers statewide," said Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz. "They'll be able to get entrepreneurs to buy their products to make value-added products, so this is going to be really exciting."
Some of the types of products that can be made in the space include cookies and baked goods; jams and jellies; hot sauces and condiments; and fried chips and snacks, according to the university's website.
The center will also be used by the Hawaii Ag & Culinary Alliance's From Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise Program. That program is for individuals developing value-added products using Hawaii-grown, raised or caught ingredients and includes a scholarship to LCC's Aina to Makeke course, according to representatives of the nonprofit.
Click through the gallery to see photos of the site taken during the grand opening. For more information about the Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center, go here.
