Adoption of Computer and Internet Technologies in Small Firm Agriculture: A Study of Flower Growers in Hawaii

Small businesses have exhibited increasing use of Internet technologies like email and Web sites in recent years. A question arises as to whether small business farmers use computers and Internet technologies to the same degree as do other small businesses. The study presented here surveyed growers in the Hawaii flower industry. Results indicate a number of growers use the Internet and email, have Web sites, and engage in other online business activities, reporting significant benefits. Results also show, however, that a number of farmers do not use the Internet as productively as they might. Implications for Extension service providers are discussed.