15th annual Hawai‘i Farmers Union Convention celebrates full circle of food production rooted in Hawai‘i traditions

Do you think having a thriving local food industry to feed our island is a good idea?

Join local food producers and buyers, farmers, fishers, ranchers, legislators and policymakers today (Oct. 25) during the 15th annual Hawai‘i Farmers Union Convention hosted by Hawai‘i Farmers Union United and Hawai‘i Farmers Union Foundation.

The 2025 convention is the first the union has hosted in Kona and offers a full lineup of compelling presentations, numerous panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations and interactive fun — all free and open to the public.

It’s planned from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m at Kahalu‘u Ma Kai — located at 78-6880 Ali‘i Drive, the former location of Keauhou Beach Hotel/Kona Lagoon — in Keauhou.

This year’s theme is “Mahi‘ai Makahiki,” in honor of the vital role agriculture and food producers play in sustaining Hawai‘i’s communities.

“Makahiki is a time traditionally set aside for reflection, reassessment and gratitude for the harvest,” said Hawai‘i Farmers Union and Hawai‘i Farmers Union Foundation President Kaipo Kekona in an announcement about this year’s convention. “Traditions called for farmers of the region to bring forward their best harvest to be prepared as a feast for all to enjoy.”

Chef Bryan Fujikawa of KGH Catering will serve lunch and dinner menus sourced exclusively from Hawai‘i Island for convention-goers to enjoy part of the harvest from the island.

Hawai‘i Farmers Union and Hawai‘i Farmers Union Foundation Secretary Maureen Datta said it was a conscious choice to curate local food for the event’s meals — and the process that entails — which can serve as a blueprint for future island events.

“The challenges we face in feeding a few hundred people both lunch and dinner will demonstrate the pukas [or holes] that exist in our food system today,” said Datta in the event announcement.

Makahiki games also will be part of the fun in conjunction with this year’s theme, remembering how ancient makahiki contenders “displayed their strength, agility and intellect — a direct reflection of the health and well-being of their communities,” Kekona added.

Hawai’i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity Chairwoman Sharon Hurd will deliver this year’s keynote address, focusing on “Hawai‘i County’s Role in Doubling Food Production.”

The day’s lineup of speakers includes a Big Island state lawmaker, agricultural financial experts and more. A full lineup is available online.

Panel discussions will delve into a variety of topics:

• Farm and Food Safety Training.
• The Food Hub’s Role in Our Local Food System.
• Loko ‘Ia (fish ponds).
• Nearshore Fisheries.
• The Transition to Organic with a Focus on Coffee.
• Ranching as Fire Fuel Load Mitigation.
• Is the Future of Organic Certification in Value-Added Products and Mala ‘Oiwi (native producers) growing food and restoring ‘aina (land)?

Educational offerings will be buzzing at the “Microbial Hive,” where convention-goers can learn about regenerative growing techniques based on Korean natural farming techniques as presented by Hilo nonprofit Pure KNF Foundation.

The Hive also is an area for socializing, networking, resting and refreshing throughout the day — enjoy locally grown mamaki tea and “liquid sunshine” tea courtesy of Adaptations, and gather around the indigenous microorganism “foot spa.”

Be sure to visit the many informational booths being offered by producers, nonprofit organizations, university programs, schools and others, too, some of which will be giving demonstrations such as how to pound taro into poi.

Datta hopes this year’s convention lifts up the role of local food producers and strengthens a community sense of food security, enhancing people’s ability to feed themselves and depend less on imports.

Dinner follows the convention from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with musical entertainment by Maka Gallinger & Son and Ku Ma‘ema‘e until 9 p.m.

Lunch and dinner are available to the first 200 attendees who sign up online.

Register for the convention, Makahiki games and meals here.

Attendees are asked to bring a reusable water bottle. They also are invited to contribute a Makahiki harvest gift from their garden to share on the community table.

“As Hawai‘i Island continues to navigate the complex needs and challenges associated with creating a robust local food industry, I am honored to support and deeply grateful for the important work that will be done by our local food producers, buyers, farmers, fishers, ranchers and policymakers at [Hawai‘i Farmers Union’s] 15th state convention,” said Hawai‘i County Councilwoman Rebecca Villegas, who represents District 7 (Kona), in the convention announcement.

Visit the Hawai‘i Farmers Union United website for additional information.