Educators
Teachers of agriculture and food systems at all levels.
Associated Challenges:
Lack of Coordination Among Stakeholders | There is limited coordination between producers, government agencies, and industry groups, hindering collaboration and the development of unified strategies to address systemic issues like transportation, market access, and workforce shortages. |
Data Gaps in the Value Chain | Data collection, especially from smaller farms and backyard producers, is insufficient. Without comprehensive data, it is difficult to make informed decisions regarding market opportunities and areas for improvement within the value chain. |
Aging Producer Workforce | With an average age of 61 and reduced access to extension services, Hawaiʻi Island's agricultural workforce faces a challenge in transferring knowledge and skills to new farmers. This creates gaps in productivity and sustainability. |
Inadequate Technical Assistance | Limited access to technical support services, such as extension programs and research institutions, constrains farmers' ability to implement modern farming techniques and business practices, particularly among small farms. |
Lack of Available Data and Market Information | Insufficient access to reliable market data and demand information constrains decision-making for both producers and buyers. This results in inefficiencies in pricing, production volumes, and market opportunities. |
Educators, including teachers at all levels and extension service providers, play a critical role in building the knowledge base and skills needed to support the agricultural sector on Hawai'i Island. The University of Hawai'i- Hilo and Hawai'i Community College offer a variety of programs in agricultural sciences, but there are gaps in education, particularly around emerging technologies and sustainable farming practices. Organizations such as the University of Hawai'i’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR), GoFarm Hawaii and The Kohala Center provide educational programs and technical assistance, but these efforts are often underfunded.
Staple Food Commodities
Education and training are essential for supporting the growth of staple food commodities on Hawai'i Island. Farmers and producers require technical knowledge on best practices for sustainable farming, ag-tech innovations, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. However, there is a shortage of hands-on training programs and extension services, particularly for small-scale producers. Expanding agricultural education programs in local schools and colleges, along with increasing access to extension services, would help producers improve their operations, adopt sustainable practices, and ultimately increase their productivity in the staple food sector.
Export Commodities
For export commodities, there is a growing need for educational programs that focus on international market strategies, pest management, and value-added processing. Educators are key to developing a workforce that can support Hawai'i’s export agriculture, particularly in highly specialized areas such as coffee production and floriculture. However, funding constraints limit the reach of many programs, and there are not enough opportunities for students to gain practical experience in the export sector. More internships, hands-on training, and investment in educational initiatives are needed to equip the next generation of workers with the skills to succeed in Hawai'i’s agricultural export industries.