While historically the primary reason for settling the island, agriculture now plays a secondary role to tourism. Farming on Havelock is generally small-scale and subsistence-based, limited by the protected status of the island's forests which prohibits further land clearing.
Farmers primarily cultivate rice, bananas, coconuts, and areca nuts (betel nut), alongside seasonal tropical vegetables. Livestock farming is mostly limited to backyard poultry and small dairy herds for local consumption. The surrounding waters provide a rich bounty for local fisheries, which supply the island's many seafood restaurants with fresh catch daily.