Buying locally grown can sometimes seem a struggle between listening to your conscience or keeping an eye on your wallet. So, several key organizations in Hawaii's agricultural community are highlighting local holiday gift ideas that can still be affordable.

At Alluvion farm on the North Shore, chief executive Susan Matsushima has created a line of wreaths made from locally grown plants.

She's working with Dean Okimoto's Nalo Farms on an herb wreath that starts at $20 with a base of rosemary, basil and oregano as well as red chili peppers providing a sassy substitute for holly berries.

"I think the impression that people get is that it's going to be very expensive," Matsushima said.

The wreaths and other locally made holiday gifts will be showcased at an event at lunchtime tomorrow in Downtown Honolulu, she said.

The floral designers at Alluvion also created a series of larger decorative wreaths.

They include macadamia leaves sprayed gold, Hollywood junipers grown in Hawaii that don't drop leaves as easily as imported pines, baby woodrose, protea from Maui, ironwood cones and lotus from Haleiwa as well as Hawaiian chili pepper accents instead of artificial berries.

Matsushima said those wreaths begin at $75 for a wreath that stretches about 18 to 20 inches across.

A family banana farm on the Big Island is expanding beyond its base of selling to supermarkets across the state under its Hawaiian Candy Apple Banana brand.

Ohana Banana Farm Inc. in Keaau is expanding into the business of selling directly to customers via the Web, according to vice president Young Tarring, who works with his dad, Michael. The Tarrings hope to tap into a market for the apple bananas preferred by many Hawaii residents over those imported from Mexico and South America.

Tarring said the company can deliver 3 to 4 pounds of bananas — irradiated for export — to anywhere on the Mainland for about $40.

While that price is higher than many supermarket bananas, Tarring said, initial Mainland taste tests and shipments indicate there's a market especially among those who associate the taste with their time in Hawaii.

"They were really happy to have a taste of Hawaii," Tarring said. "Wherever they're at, they can go back to Hawaii for a second."

Tomorrow's event includes 11 booths showcasing a variety of locally produced items that range from Malie Kai chocolate from Waialua-grown cacao, fresh fruits and flowers to various foods.

Fourth-generation farmer Kylie Matsuda will have fresh and prepared items from Kahuku Farms that range in price from $8 for individual products to about $50 for a fresh basket that includes two different size papayas, apple bananas, long eggplants, dehydrated bananas and mango jam in a Kahuku Farms reusable shopping bag.

Matsuda said the farm has had success with preserving mangoes in jams and jellies. And by dehydrating them for a popular tea or scone mix. "It's been a hit," she said.

The newly formed "4 Ag Hawaii Partnership" is spearheaded by the Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii, Hawai'i Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation and the University of Hawai'i College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources.

Matsushima said the coalition of organizations hopes to grow and show consumers that it's possible to put together baskets of fruits, coffee, plants, flowers and other local produce that can compete with established Mainland firms such as Harry & David's, which features an extensive gift catalog.

"We want people to buy local products," she said.

Local fruits that can be mailed include pineapple, papaya and bananas. Baskets can include jellies and jams made from local fruits, Hawai'i-grown coffees and macadamia nuts.

A joint study released earlier this year indicated that if Hawai'i replaced 10 percent of foods that are now imported with locally grown and manufactured foods, it would generate about $94 million for local farmers, have an economywide impact of $188 million in sales and generate 2,300 jobs.

Curious about consumer issues or have a tip to share? Contact Robbie Dingeman at 535-2429.