EAT THINK DRINK

Building the Future Ag Workforce

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Prince Waikiki | 6:00–9:00 PM

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 National FFA (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

Our 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.