Nearly 300 farmers, researchers and agricultural professionals gathered Oct. 29–31 for the 2025 Guam Farmer Focus Conference, hosted by the University of Guam Land Grant. Now in its third year on Guam and fifth in Micronesia, the conference featured 50 breakout sessions led by experts from Land Grant universities across the region, as well as visiting specialists from UOG’s sister institutions in Taiwan — a global leader in agricultural innovation.
Panel discussions explored opportunities to grow Guam’s agritourism industry, strengthen food production and help local restaurants adopt a local-first culinary model. Attendees also participated in two farm-to-table dinners showcasing local produce and fish, with dishes prepared by culinary students from Taiwan, Guam Community College and ProStart. The final day included a field trip to UOG’s Yigo Research & Education Center and the Valley of the Latte Adventure Park to observe climate-smart farming and agritourism in action.
Farmers said the conference offered meaningful connections and immediate problem-solving support. Commercial grower Chris Salas of Salas Organics credited last year’s event with helping him secure multiple grants and said the hands-on advice this year was invaluable as he navigates crop challenges from heavy rains. Sunny Grow Corp., a new container-based hydroponics operation, said the conference helped them build relationships essential for expanding their high-tech farming model on island.
Conference chair and UOG agricultural economist Kuan-Ju Chen emphasized the need to support Guam’s diverse farming community, including immigrant farmers who play a critical role in local production. He said innovations like container farming show how the next generation of growers can adapt to Guam’s climate threats. Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero and UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez highlighted the university’s responsibility to provide research-based solutions that help residents grow more food and strengthen island resilience.
