The University of Guam Land Grant Extension Service will host its second Guam Farmer Focus Conference and the fourth in Micronesia from Oct. 29–31 at the Hyatt Regency Guam. Themed “Hålen Isla, Dinekkon Todu I Tåno' (Island Roots, Global Growth): Advancing Agriculture for Food Security in the Asia-Pacific Region,” the three-day event will bring together agricultural producers, researchers, and policymakers from across the region.
The conference will feature expertise in sustainable farming, smart agriculture technologies, agribusiness, agritourism, and farmer wellness. “We’re excited to cover a broad range of topics with the overall goal of food security and long-term agricultural transformation for Micronesia,” said Kuan-Ju Chen, UOG Extension agricultural economist and Farmer Focus project director. “We hope to inspire ideas and solutions, foster dialog to better support our farming community, and facilitate connections here locally as well as with partner institutions abroad.”
Speakers will include local experts and UOG faculty, as well as presenters from Taiwan, Northern Marianas College, Tennessee State University, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, and Washington State University. Sessions will include panels on agritourism, Guam’s agricultural challenges, and farm-to-table culinary models, with a third-day field trip to Valley of the Latte and UOG’s Triton Farm offered as an option.
Registration is open through Oct. 20 at https://bit.ly/islandrootsglobalgrowthconference. Thirty scholarships are available for local farmers who can provide proof of cooperative membership or certification from the Guam Department of Agriculture. Fees for industry professionals range from $100 for one day to $300 for the full program including the field trip. Abstract submissions for breakout sessions are being accepted until Oct. 5.
