Educators

Teachers of agriculture and food systems at all levels.

Education and training are critical for equipping producers with the knowledge needed to innovate and improve their operations. The University of Hawaii and local colleges play a major role in providing agricultural training, but there are gaps in technical education, particularly in emerging areas such as ag-tech and climate-resilient farming. Expanding education and extension services is crucial for supporting long-term growth in the agricultural sector.

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.