Sales of Hawai'i flower and nursery products rose nearly 6 percent to a record $100.6 million in 2005 as the state's farm sector continued to make a transition from plantation to niche plant products.

Since 1982, flowers and nursery products have grown from $30.6 million to more than $100 million in annual farm sales, the National Agricultural Statistics Service reported yesterday. At the same time, sugar sales have plunged from more than $200 million to $62 million in 2004.

The surge in flower and nursery products comes as local farmers are forced to adapt to an increasingly competitive global marketplace. That means low-margin pineapple and sugar cane are being plowed over in favor of higher-margin fruits, flowers and other produce.

"It's safe to say that's definitely the trend," said Mark Hudson, director for the NASS Hawai'i field office.

Although Hawai'i's farm sector remains relatively small compared to the $11 billion tourism trade, agriculture remains important as a local food source, for providing economic opportunities in Hawai'i's rural areas and by keeping land free of urban development.

During 2005, cut flower sales rose 7 percent to $14.1 million. Foliage sales rose 10 percent to $19.4 million. Landscape plants rose 8 percent to $20.8 million.

The Big Island ranked No. 1 among all counties with $53.5 million in sales, followed by Honolulu ($32.4 million), Maui ($11.7 million) and Kaua'i ($3 million).

Reach Sean Hao at shao@honoluluadvertiser.com.