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 Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded the University of Hawaii, doing business as College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR), $426,590 under the Cooperative Forestry Research program (CFDA 10.202) on October 1, 2025.

CTAHR operates a statewide network of 22 research and extension stations across five Hawaiian islands and delivers forestry research and extension activities addressing Hawaii's economic constraints, including elevated land, labor, and energy costs and limited skilled workforce. The program supports forest productivity improvement, forest protection, watershed and coastal resource protection, and invasive species management across Hawaii's tropical and island environment.

The award funds work through September 30, 2027, with place of performance in Honolulu, Hawaii. McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Research funding supports eligible mandated projects for the maintenance and improvement of forest and forest-related research and education, with funds distributed to state-certified institutions as determined by the Governor or designee. The program aims to increase forestry research in the production, utilization, and protection of forestland and to train future forestry scientists.

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; D evelopment of value added products; increasing forest productivity; protection of forests, watersheds and coastal resources; plant and animal 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