The college of tropical agriculture and human resilience (CTAHR) at the university of hawaii at manoa (UHM) oversees a statewide network of 22 research and extension stations on five hawaiian islands

The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded the University of Hawaii, doing business as the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR), $352,000 on October 1, 2025, under the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP, CFDA 10.514).

CTAHR delivers hands-on nutrition education to low-income families and youth across Hawaii through a statewide network of 22 research and extension stations on five Hawaiian islands. The program operates from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030, with place of performance in Honolulu, Hawaii.

EFNEP funds cooperative extension nutrition education delivered through 1862 and 1890 land-grant universities to support participants' efforts toward self-sufficiency, nutritional health, and well-being. The program combines hands-on learning and applied science to serve low-income audiences in the 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. Project periods are limited to five years with no-cost extension authority.

CTAHR, in partnership with stakeholders across the state, is actively working to increase local food production 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 innovative research and cooperative extension activities, including: management of invasive species that constantly threaten the gateway state of hawaii; improved cultivation and processing of specialty crops; agricultural advanced technology; development of value-added products; increasing forest productivity; protection of forests, watersheds and coastal resources; plant and an imal breeding and genetic improvement; biofuel development; plant stress and productivity; food safety and security; the health (mental, physical, and financial) of hawaii 'S citizens and communities; and human nutrition programs. CTAHR works within the framework of four critical issues: vibrant tropical and pacific island agriculture and food; ecosystem health: natural resources management and protection; resilient and thriving communities and community health; and workforce and economic development.