Registration now open for 33rd Hawai‘i International Tropical Fruit Conference

“Security Starts with the Soil.”

That’s the theme for the 33rd Hawai‘i International Tropical Fruit Conference planned for Oct. 5-7 at the Neal Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. The 2023 conference offers a full lineup of educational offerings, panel discussions, a trade show and the Famous Friday Fruit Tasting.

Geared toward farmers, educators, orchard managers and proponents of sustainable agriculture, the event is presented by the Hawai‘i Tropical Fruit Growers and open to the public. 

Research updates will be provided by Marisa Wall with the U.S. Department of Agriculture about avocado lace bug, a team from the University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and Sharon Hurd, director of the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture.

A Hawai‘i legislative update will also be presented by O‘ahu state Sen. Mike Gabbard.

Conference attendees can attend a variety of panel discussions about local fruit access, soil health and practices to improve fruit production. Breakout sessions will focus on soil health, food preservation, going organic and Go Farm, plus grants and funding opportunities.

In addition, there will be tours at Lokea Farms and the Wahiawa Produce Development Center.

Registration is now open. Fees and additional information can be found online or by contacting Ken Love at kenlove@hawaiiantel.net or Mark Suiso at mark.suiso@gmail.com. Those who plan to attend can enjoy an early bird discount of $50 through Sept. 1.