FIELD TRIP: Tour of tropical crop production in Hawaii

Saturday, August 2, 2025

7:45 AM - 4:30 PM HST

Location: Hawai'i Convention Center, Main Entrance

Sponsoring Chairperson(s)

CA

Christian G. Aguilar

Phytopathology Manager
Agrofresh
Wapato, Washington, United States

Organizer(s)

AA

Achour Amiri, Associate Professor

Associate professor
Washington State University
Wenatchee, Washington, United States
CB

Collins Bugingo

Assistant Professor
Oregon State University
Salem, Oregon, United States

Sponsoring Chairperson(s)

RG

Romina Gazis, PhD

Associate Professor
Tropical Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Homestead, FL, USA
Homestead, Florida, United States

Organizer(s)

WJ

Wayne Jurick II

Lead Scientist
USDA-ARS
Beltsville, Maryland, United States
AK

Achala N. KC

Associate Professor
Oregon State University
Central Point, Oregon, United States
JL

Jane Marian S. Luis

Assistant Professor
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, HI, USA

Ticketed event; preregistration required

Brief Description: This tour will encompass several aspects of the tropical fruit supply chain, from cultivation in the field to postharvest handling in the packing shed, to phytosanitary treatment of agricultural commodities in preparation for export. Attendees will visit local farms to observe and learn about production of cacao, apple banana, papaya, eggplant, pineapple as well as others, and in so doing, will be able to witness firsthand the passion involved with managing multi-generational family-owned farms. Guests will be able to enjoy the flavors of freshly grown produce to the backdrop of breathtaking scenery all the while learning about some of Hawaii’s most pressing agricultural issues such as crop diversification, food sovereignty and pest management.

Buses will pick up participants at the Hawai'i Convention Center. Buses will stage outside the main entrance.