The college of tropical agriculture and human resources (ctahr) at the university of hawai?i at manoa (UHM) oversees a statewide network of 22 research and extension stations on five hawaiian islands

Ctahr, in partnership with stakeholders across the state, is actively searching for opportunities to increase local food production in a sustainable way while also making IT more profitable. While there are opportunities, there are also substantial constraints. The costs of land, labor, and energy exceed those found in most other states. Agrochemicals and animal feed are mostly imported and exporting products to distant markets reduces the farmers' competitive ability. The high costs of energy, lack of skilled labor, and reduced interest in farming are major challenges. Ctahr understands these challenges and engages in a broad spectrum of research and extension activities, including: management of invasive species that constantly threaten the 'gateway' state of hawai'i; improved cultivation and processing of specialty crops; agricultural advanced technology; development of value-added products; increasing forest productivity; protection of forests, watersheds and coastal r esources; plant and animal breeding and genetic improvement; biofuel development to address soaring energy costs and fossil fuel depletion; plant stresses related to drought and climate change; food safety and security; the health (mental, physical, and financial) of hawai'i's citizens and communities; and human nutrition programs. Ctahr works within the framework of five critical issues: bioengineering for agriculture/natural resources/health; biosecurity of agriculture and natural resources; diversified tropical agricultural systems; protect and manage natural resources and the environment; and youth/family/community development and health.