Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** hawaii's agricultural sector and…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** hawaii's agricultural sector and food system face unique vulnerabilities due to heavy reliance on imported food. The transition from a plantation-based economy to a diversified production portfolio encounters significant challenges: an aging farmer population, limited land access, workforce shortages, and high input costs which hinder farm business viability.despite these challenges, the increasing demand for locally sourced food, community-driven initiatives promoting traditional cultivation methods, and collaborative efforts to support producers present avenues for expansion and point to growth opportunities.recognizing the pivotal role of workforce training and producer education in hawaii's agricultural economy, gofarm hawaii aims to enhance the university's educational capacity. Through this project, we will offer non-credit pathways that combine practical technical skills with business and financial acumen. This grant proposal aims to enrich and expand agricultural education tailored to adult learners aspiring to become farm entrepreneurs or secure employment in hawaii's food system. This integrated research, education, and extension project will facilitate access to nontraditional agricultural educational pathways for native hawaiian and underrepresented populations, forge connections between research and the practical needs of community farmers, increase mentorship opportunities throughout the agricultural network, support the state's goals for increased local food production and agricultural employment, provide learning opportunities that can lead to additional food production, revenues, cost savings, cultural integration, and leadership and community building, and encourage more youth to consider a career in agriculture.