Students interested in careers in agriculture are the future of Hawai'i’s agricultural sector. Programs such as 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA), and the University of Hawai'i’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) play a critical role in providing agricultural education at all levels. Local organizations, such as The Kohala Center, also offer educational programs and internships that expose students to real-world farming practices. However, there is a need for more hands-on learning opportunities and pathways for students to transition from education to agricultural careers.
Staple Food Commodities
Students studying agriculture are increasingly interested in food security, sustainability, and climate-resilient farming practices, which are critical for the future of staple food commodities. However, many students lack access to hands-on learning opportunities and internships that would allow them to gain practical experience in staple crop production. Expanding farm-to-school programs, apprenticeships, and other experiential learning opportunities would help build a skilled agricultural workforce. There is also a need for more advanced training in areas such as ag-tech and business management to prepare students for the challenges of modern farming.
Export Commodities
Students interested in have significant opportunities to explore innovative and sustainable agricultural practices. Aquaculture, in particular, offers a growing field for students interested in marine biology, renewable energy systems, and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) technology. The use of geothermal energy and deep-seawater systems at facilities like the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai'i Authority (NELHA) showcases cutting-edge research and development in aquaculture, providing an exciting opportunity for students to engage in high-tech, environmentally sustainable industries. Export commodities like coffee, macadamia nuts, and tropical flowers also present learning opportunities in global trade, value-added processing, and branding, particularly as these industries embrace ag-tech advancements such as precision farming, automated processing, and advanced pest management systems. Encouraging students to explore these areas can build a workforce equipped to support Hawai'i's agricultural economy while driving innovation in export and high-tech agricultural sectors.