From locally grown orchids, plumeria and ornamental flowers to high-tech vertical farming systems, local agriculture took center stage at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol Agriculture (Ag) Day on February 26. The event featured more than 40 organizations, with a strong showing from the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补’蝉 (CTAHR).
At the event, CTAHR Professor Brent Sipes and his colleagues shared strategies for pest management and crop protection, while experts Mark Thorne and Yanghua He discussed livestock sustainability and food security. Additionally, researchers detailed the science behind 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈’蝉 unique environment and soil health, and teams from Hawaiʻi 4-H and GoFarm Hawaiʻi showcased how CTAHR is mentoring the next generation of farmers and leaders.
Voices from the field
The heart of the event was the exchange between researchers, industry leaders and policymakers. Tessie Amore, an associate researcher at CTAHR, presented the critical link between research and the ornamental plant industry. Anthuriums have become one of the state’s most valuable cut flowers, generating millions of dollars in annual sales and serving as a visual icon of 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈’蝉 agricultural identity.
“I’m here to talk about the research we’re doing to help the Hawaiʻi growers,” said Amore. “By showing our work, it shows the legislature that we’re thankful for the support they’re given to our growers, and our growers are supporting us.”
Jeff Goodwin, Hawaiʻi 4-H state lead, spoke about the organization’s role in empowering keiki with life skills. “Our main mission is positive youth development, and the 4-H projects are just the vehicle to get us to positive youth development,” he said.
Kerry Kakazu, of MetroGrow, is working with CTAHR to push the boundaries of vertical farming and help students get ready for the high-tech, commercial realities of modern farming.
“Our vision of vertical farming is commercial level production with a high-tech indoor greenhouse that is also an active teaching site,” said Kakazu. “When you build it and people are researching and learning about it, they’re learning what can be done commercially.”
Agriculture Day was sponsored by the agriculture committees of the Hawaiʻi State Senate and House of Representatives and organized by the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau.