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{ 1 I College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience
o/ A Y V A I I Founding College of the University of Hawaii
x, MANCSA Office of the Dean and Director for Research and Cooperative Extension
Testimony Presented Before the
County Council
County of Hawai'i
Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs
April 15, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
By
Parwinder Grewal, Dean
College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience
Res. 121-25 — AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH
THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I OFFICE OF RESEARCH SERVICES
Chair Kagiwada, Vice Chair Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder and Members of the Committee:
Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony in support of Resolution No. 121-25
authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the University of Hawai'i Office of
Research Services (ORS) with funds of $25,000 from the Department of Research and
Development to conduct GoFarm Hawaii, the university's comprehensive agricultural
education program.
The College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR) supports this
resolution. The vision of CTAHR is an educated community, healthy population, and
sustainable food system and environment that strengthens the well-being and economic
development of the people of Hawai'i. In 2022, the agricultural producers of the County
were surveyed by the Department of Research and Development as part of the US EDA
Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant - Phase 1 about their needs to increase and
improve their production and businesses.
Support for funding Resolution 121-25 will assist the County with the following
objectives:
1. Strategic Investment in Agricultural Workforce:
The requested $25,000 from the Impact Grant will directly support critical
components of the GoFarm Hawaii Beginning Farmer Training Program in
Hilo. This investment ensures the successful delivery of high -quality, hands-on
agricultural education and practical business training, critical for nurturing the
next generation of farmers.
2. Economic Revitalization and Job Creation:
The program addresses pressing economic challenges by creating jobs and
stimulating local business growth. By funding this training initiative, the County
3050 Maile Way, Gilmore Hall 202 Honolulu, Hawaii 96822
Phone: (808) 956-8234 E-mail: ctahrdn@hawaii.edu
www.ctahr.hawaii.edu
An Equal Opportunity Institution
Ref. P_ ' 15 �2'2
ReS.121-25
April 15,2025
Page O2OfO2
helps new farmers establish economically viable agricultural enterprises,
expanding |OC8| rn@rk8tS. and increasing profitability within the 8griCU|huna|
sector.
3. Enhanced Food Security:
With @ 14% d8C|iD8 in |OC@| farms from 2017 to 2022' this project directly
tackles the critical issue of declining local food production. Funds will empower
participants to |8@FD and implement productive, sustainable agricultural
practices, ensuring 8resilient local food supply and greater food security for
residents across H@Vvai'i |S|@Od.
4. Addressing the Aging Farmer Demographic:
Currently, 40%OfH@w@i^iCounty farmers are over G5'with only 0%younger
than 35. By a||OC@dDQ grant funds toward targeted training and 08DtVrShip. the
County actively supports initiatives designed to attract younger individuals and
beginning farmers, fostering |OnQ-ierDl 8USt@in@bi|itvGnd rejuvenating Haxv@i'i
COUD|v'Sagricultural workforce.
5. A Demonstrated Track Record of Success and Environmental
SustainabiUity:
The requested funds will build on GoFarm HawaiTs established success in
training effective agricultural entrepreneurs, 8Sevidenced by92%Ofrecent
program graduates successfully securing employment Orlaunching their own
t@r8 enterprises. Additionally, the funds will support continued training in ecO-
frieOd|yand climate -resilient agricultural practices —such @Ssoil conservation,
crop diversification, and sustainable pest management —that have proven
effective in 8DhGOCiDg pPOdU[tivitv, reducing eDvin3Onl8Dt8| inlp8CtS. and
pnOnnO[inQ long-term SUSt@iO8bi|ih/Ofagriculture in H2vv8i'i County.
These objectives align closely with Hawai'i County's goals for economic resilience,
community well-being, and environmental stewardship. Wesupport Resolution 121-25