Photos: UH Hilo Fall Ag Fest with marketplace of farm and aquaculture goods, free giveaways, live entertainment, plus dogs and goats! – University of Hawaii at Hilo

Report on the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo 2025 Fall Agriculture Festival

On November 21, 2025, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management (CAFNRM) hosted its annual Fall Agriculture Festival. The event served as a practical demonstration of the university’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showcasing initiatives in sustainable agriculture, quality education, and community engagement.

Contributions to Sustainable Food Systems and Responsible Consumption (SDG 2, SDG 12)

The festival directly addressed goals related to ending hunger and ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns through the promotion of local agriculture.

Promotion of Local and Sustainable Production

• Student-Grown Produce: Poinsettia plants (“Pua Kalikimaka”), cultivated by students at the UH Hilo Agricultural Farm Laboratory in Panaʻewa, were featured. This activity provides students with hands-on experience in sustainable horticultural practices.
• University Farm Products: Locally sourced items, including honey from the university apiary and horsehair keychains, were available for purchase. This highlights a circular economy approach, utilizing farm resources to support programmatic goals, aligning with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
• Food Security Initiative: In a direct effort to support SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), the event included the free distribution of fresh produce such as lettuce, citrus, and avocados to the university community, enhancing access to nutritious food.

Fostering Quality Education and Economic Growth (SDG 4, SDG 8)

The event underscored the university’s role in providing vocational training and supporting local economic development, key targets of SDG 4 and SDG 8.

Experiential Learning and Skill Development

The festival provided a platform for students to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting. Key activities included:

1. Managing sales of agricultural products, developing business and communication skills.
2. Engaging the public through educational demonstrations.
3. Participating in the value chain from production to sale, offering a comprehensive educational experience.

Supporting Student Programs and Economic Opportunity

• Proceeds from the sale of farm products were reinvested into university programs, including the horse program and the Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center (PACRC) student training fund.
• This model provides a sustainable funding mechanism for educational initiatives and equips students with practical skills for decent work and economic growth.

Advancing Marine and Terrestrial Ecosystem Management (SDG 14, SDG 15)

The festival highlighted CAFNRM’s work in conserving and sustainably managing natural resources, both on land and in water.

Life Below Water (SDG 14)

• The Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center (PACRC) conducted a live oyster and water quality demonstration, educating attendees on the importance of marine ecosystem health.
• The sale of PACRC-developed products, such as poke seasoning and shell ornaments, supported student training in the sustainable management of marine and coastal resources.

Life on Land (SDG 15)

• The presence of goats and dogs from the university’s animal science programs provided an opportunity for community education on animal husbandry and welfare.
• The promotion of honey from the university apiary implicitly supports the critical role of pollinators in maintaining terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Strengthening Sustainable Communities (SDG 11)

The Fall Ag Fest functioned as a vital community-building event, fostering social cohesion and promoting a shared commitment to sustainability, in line with SDG 11.

Community Engagement Activities

• Live entertainment featuring student and faculty performers created an inclusive and engaging atmosphere.
• The event brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members, strengthening the social fabric of the university and its connection to the local area.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on the UH Hilo Fall Ag Fest highlights activities and themes that connect to several Sustainable Development Goals. These goals are relevant due to the event’s focus on agriculture, education, natural resource management, and community engagement.

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger: The festival promotes agriculture and local food production. The article mentions the sale and giveaway of produce such as “lettuce, citrus, avocado,” which directly relates to food access and sustainable agricultural practices.
• SDG 4: Quality Education: The event is hosted by the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management. It serves as a practical, hands-on learning experience. The article explicitly states that poinsettias were “grown by UH Hilo ag students” and that proceeds from some sales go to the “PACRC student training fund,” demonstrating a direct link to vocational and skills-based education.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The festival is a community event, described as a place where the “UH Hilo ʻohana had fun.” By bringing together students, faculty, and the wider university community, it fosters social cohesion and promotes local culture and products.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The event encourages the consumption of locally produced goods. By featuring items from the university’s farm, such as honey from the apiary and fresh produce, it promotes sustainable local production and consumption patterns.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water: The involvement of the “Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center” (PACRC) directly connects the event to this goal. The article mentions a “live oyster and water quality demonstration,” which serves to educate the community on the importance of aquatic ecosystems.
• SDG 15: Life on Land: The event is hosted by the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management and features products derived from terrestrial ecosystems. The mention of the university’s “Agricultural Farm Laboratory,” an apiary for honey production, and the presence of farm animals like horses and goats all relate to the sustainable use and management of life on land.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the activities described, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
   • Explanation: The festival showcases products from the university’s “Agricultural Farm Laboratory,” which functions as a center for teaching and implementing agricultural practices. The growing of produce and poinsettias by students is a direct application of this target.
2. Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.
   • Explanation: The article highlights that “UH Hilo ag students” grew the plants for the festival. This hands-on experience provides them with technical and vocational skills in agriculture. Furthermore, the proceeds from sales supporting a “student training fund” reinforces the goal of skill development for future employment.
3. Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.
   • Explanation: The festival itself acts as an awareness event. The “live oyster and water quality demonstration” is a specific example of educating the public about natural resources and sustainable practices.
4. Target 14.a: Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology…
   • Explanation: The participation of the Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center and its use of proceeds for a “student training fund” directly supports the development of capacity and knowledge in marine and aquaculture sciences.
5. Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
   • Explanation: The mention of an “apiary” for honey production implies support for pollinators like bees, which are crucial for biodiversity and ecosystem health. This aligns with broader efforts to protect natural habitats.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article, being a descriptive news story, does not provide quantitative data. However, it implies several qualitative indicators that could be used to measure progress.

• Indicator for Target 4.4: The number of students participating in hands-on agricultural and aquaculture programs. The article implies this by mentioning that “UH Hilo ag students” grew the poinsettias and that there is a “PACRC student training fund.”
• Indicator for Target 2.4/12.8: The organization of community outreach events focused on local agriculture and sustainable practices. The “annual fall festival” itself is an indicator of this activity. The variety of local products offered (produce, honey, crafts) also serves as a measure of the program’s output.
• Indicator for Target 14.a: The existence of educational demonstrations and student support funds related to marine science. The article’s mention of the “live oyster and water quality demonstration” and the “PACRC student training fund” are direct indicators of progress in this area.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: hilo.hawaii.edu