Building the Future Ag Workforce

Can Hawai‘i Grow Enough Farmers?

As Hawai‘i’s farming population continues to age and workforce shortages deepen, the challenge ahead is clear: It’s not just about growing food—it’s about growing a resilient agricultural industry workforce. Learn how Hawai‘i is planting the seeds.

Join us for EAT THINK DRINK as we dig into the future of Hawai‘i’s food system by exploring how we build and sustain a next-generation farm workforce. From hands-on K–12 education to workforce development strategies and measurable statewide outcomes, this timely event brings together changemakers shaping Hawai‘i’s agricultural future.

Look Forward To:

• Insightful keynote and panel conversation with leaders in education, agriculture, and workforce development
• Strategies to inspire students from the classroom to the field
• Real talk about the challenges — and opportunities — facing Hawai‘i’s future farmers
• A delicious, chef-crafted menu featuring locally grown ingredients
• Networking with educators, policymakers, farmers, and community advocates

Featured Speaker: A National Voice for the Next Gen

This powerful evening will spotlight innovations in K–12 ag education and the farm workforce pipeline — from classroom to career — with a keynote by Scott Stump, CEO of (Future Farmers of America), and a panel of local voices cultivating Hawai‘i’s future moderated by Liz Stanton, Director of Grants & Education, Hawai‘i Agricultural Foundation:

Panel Conversation: Voices Cultivating Hawai‘i’s Future

• Jeff Goodwin, State 4-H Program Leader, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
• Keith Hayashi, Superintendent, Hawai‘i DOE
• Britney James, Program Manager for Ag, Education & Business Development, Maui Economic Development Board
• Natalie McKinney, Chief Program Officer, Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation

Together, these panelists will explore what’s working in ag education and workforce development, where the gaps remain, and how we can work across sectors to cultivate Hawai‘i’s future food leaders.

Serving Up the Future: Hawai‘i’s Culinary Voices

Enjoy a chef-driven menu featuring locally sourced ingredients by:

• Vikram Garg, UMI by Vikram Garg
• Colin Hazama – C4 Table by Colin Hazama
• Robynne Maii – Fête & Mille Fête
• Jeremy Shigekane – Prince Waikiki

Early Bird Tickets on Sale Through August 31st

Early Bird: $95 | General Admission: $120

Special rate for HIDOE Teachers, and with support from Ulupono Initiative, a limited number of specially priced tickets available to individuals working in Hawai‘i’s ag industry. Email [email protected] to request your promo code.

EAT THINK DRINK - A Signature Experience

Hosted by the Hawai‘i Agricultural Foundation, EAT THINK DRINK is a dynamic event series that brings together leaders in local and global agriculture to explore bold ideas, drive innovation, and spark community action. It’s where food, farming, and the future intersect — inspiring the next generation to think differently about what we eat and how it’s grown.

EAT THINK DRINK is presented by Central Pacific Bank with support from Alexander & Baldwin, Armstrong Produce/FreshPoint Hawaii, Bayer, Centinel/Island Palm Communities, Hawaii Longline Association, Matson, Prince Waikiki, State of Hawai‘i, Ulupono Initiative, United Airlines, and United Fishing Agency Ltd.

DON’T MISS OUT! Secure your seat, join the conversation, and be part of the movement to protect Hawai‘i’s agriculture and strengthen food security.

SPECIAL PRICING available for agricultural industry members with support from Ulupono Initiative. And special ticket price for Hawai‘i DOE teachers. Contact [email protected] or (808) 927-9749 for promo code and more info.

$95 EARLY BIRD PRICING AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME -- PURCHASE TODAY!

$120 GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS

All tickets include a two-hour grazing event featuring locally sourced ingredients prepared by Hawaiʻi’s favorite chefs and two drinks from a selection of beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Please advise us of any special dietary requirements when completing the ticket purchase form or contact us at [email protected]. We'll do our best to accommodate.

Doors open 5:30 p.m. | Program begins 6:00 p.m.

Parking with validation at Prince Waikiki: $5 self-parking. $10 valet.

ABOUT EAT THINK DRINK (ETD)

Good things happen when we come together to EAT THINK DRINK! Created by Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation, the quarterly series brings together key players in the global and local agriculture industry to discuss and promote sustainable practices, innovation, and economic growth within the community. It seeks to expand and involve a broader network of younger consumers, offering new avenues for understanding the food we consume, and the individuals involved in its production. The series aims to identify and nurture shared interests, raise awareness and backing for local farmers, and inspire the next generation of community and industry leaders in Hawai‘i. View recordings of past EAT THINK DRINK presentations, here.

EAT THINK DRINK is presented by Central Pacific Bank with support from Alexander & Baldwin, Armstrong Produce/FreshPoint Hawaii, Bayer, Centinel/Island Palm Communities, Hawaii Longline Association, Mahi Pono, Prince Waikiki, State of Hawai‘i, Ulupono Initiative, United Airlines, and United Fishing Agency Ltd.

TICKET PURCHASER CONDITIONS

Proceeds from EAT THINK DRINK benefit Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation’s education and community outreach programs.

As a reminder:

• MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER. No one under the age of 21 will be admitted to the Event, unless noted otherwise. Please bring valid government-issued photo I.D.
• ALL SALES FINAL/NO REFUNDS, NO EXCHANGES, NO REPLACEMENTS Events, presenters, venues, dates and times are subject to change without notice.
• RIGHT TO USE YOUR NAME, VOICE, IMAGE AND LIKENESS By attending the Event, Holder grants the Event and its affiliates and licensees the right to publish, print, display, record and use the Holder’s name, voice, image and likeness while at the Event in any and all media.

For complete details on Ticket Purchaser Conditions associated with attending and otherwise participating in EAT THINK DRINK, click here.

Host or Publisher Hawaii Agricultural Foundation