Aloha!

Supporting local agriculture strengthens the resilience and self-sufficiency of Hawai’i's communities. With 90 percent of our food imported and the average age of a farmer in Hawaiʻi is 60 years old, it will take all of us working together to grow a vibrant agricultural community. New innovations and technologies that can control temperatures, the environment, yields, inputs, outputs, pests, and profitability, and new ways of farming show promise for Hawaiʻi’s ag industry. And it is why we continue to be a staunch supporter of ag education in our public schools to ensure a highly skilled and trained workforce. Bridging traditional farming with ag-tech can create new opportunities so more farms can be a viable business and have a better chance of success.  

Over the past decade, Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation has served more than 37,000 students from kindergarten through 12th grade with offerings of six different educational programs in our public schools. These programs pique student interest in ag careers while also introducing science, technology, engineering, and math concepts to ensure they are prepared for the future of ag.

In the Fields is one of our programs that gives middle and high school students a first-hand look into different careers in agriculture by providing real-life ag experiences in traditional, organic, and  emerging-tech agricultural environments as well as paid work-study opportunities at local agriculture sites. Nearly 11,000 students have taken part in the program since 2015.

As 2023 comes to an end, we ask you to join us in seeding our next generation of farmers. These new farmers will help connect traditional farming with the latest technologies in robotics, computer science, artificial intelligence and more to establish a sustainable ag industry and ensure food security throughout our islands. Your gift of $1,000, $500, $250, $100, $25 or more will ensure our students are prepared with the tools and skills they need for a career or job in the evolving field of agriculture. Our future food supply will depend on them.

We truly appreciate your investment in our local agricultural industry and Hawaiʻi’s youth.  

Mahalo!



“…. The exposure at Kumano I Ke Ala was a valuable opportunity for my students to experience a farm restoration focused on Native Hawaiian values that is making an impact on local markets. The field trip was an integral part of the career development investigation for my students.  They are learning all about the local opportunities to choose a career in agriculture. I can’t tell you how thankful I am for the support given by HAF.”

Christina Martiney, Natural Resource Teacher

Kauaʻi High School