Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Hawaiʻi faces a challenging agricultural dilemma: while the state is eager to boost local food production and the population is on board, the barriers to farming seem higher than ever.
Young farmers across the islands struggle not only to find land to farm, but also face huge price tags for lease and purchase. That doesn’t even account for the difficulties of making a living as a farmer. Meanwhile, Hawaiʻiʻs average farmer is getting older and approaching retirement.
Mahalo to our speakers on this panel:
- Laura Ediger of GoFarm Hawaiʻi
- Hayley Mckinnon of Ahiki Acres
- Paul Reppun of Waianu Farm
- Nick Reppun of Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi
The event was moderated by Civil Beat reporter Thomas Heaton.
Read more of Civil Beat's reporting on Hawaiʻi Grown: civilbeat.org/hawaiigrown
Hawaiʻi faces a challenging agricultural dilemma: while the state is eager to boost local food production and the population is on board, the barriers to farming seem higher than ever.
Young farmers across the islands struggle not only to find land to farm, but also face huge price tags for lease and purchase. That doesn’t even account for the difficulties of making a living as a farmer. Meanwhile, Hawaiʻiʻs average farmer is getting older and approaching retirement.
Mahalo to our speakers on this panel:
- Laura Ediger of GoFarm Hawaiʻi
- Hayley Mckinnon of Ahiki Acres
- Paul Reppun of Waianu Farm
- Nick Reppun of Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi
The event was moderated by Civil Beat reporter Thomas Heaton.
Read more of Civil Beat's reporting on Hawaiʻi Grown: civilbeat.org/hawaiigrown
