October 23, 2024

Farmers of all experience levels – from seasoned experts to newcomers eager to cultivate their own crops – recently gathered at the Guam Museum for Guam’s first Agricultural Symposium, hosted by the Northern Guam Soil and Water Conservation District in collaboration with Guåhan Sustainable Culture and the Guam Department of Agriculture. This event attracted attendees interested in every aspect of farming, including aggregation, distribution, and market development. Participants had the opportunity to engage with local organizations through insightful presentations and information booths, all aimed at empowering them to shape the future of agriculture on our island.

One of the highlights of the symposium was the introduction of GSC’s Guåhan’s Farmers 1st Resource and Work Center. Executive Director Corinne Duenas unveiled this innovative resource, designed to provide much-needed support to local farmers, whether they’re expanding their existing operations or stepping into the industry for the first time. This center offers farmers access to vital tools such as Wi-Fi, laptops, and resource guides, addressing the technological and logistical challenges many farmers face. 

GSC staff members Minerva Hermosilla and Jeremy Bevacqua also presented the  Composting in Every Village project, a partnership with Guam EPA. This project invites the community to participate in free workshops, where they can learn various composting techniques to transform everyday waste into nutrient-rich compost – an essential resource for helathy soil. It also gives them an opportunity to receive a free composting system, kitchen pail, and raised garden bed, making sustainable gardening more accessible to the community. 

To further support farmers in scaling their operations, Minerva highlighted GSC’s involvement in USDA’s Regional Food Business Center (RFBC). As a member of RFBC’s Islands and Remote Areas initiative, GSC is helping to strengthen local and regional food supply chains in Guam, the CNMI, American Samoa, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. The program focuses on promoting food sovereignty and self-reliance by providing technical and financial assistance to farmers, giving them the tools to grow their businesses and feed their communities. By connecting our island with other islands and remote areas, we hope to address the commonly shared challenges and build a resilient food system and economy. 

Throughout the event, farmers and aspiring growers alike shared stories, exchanged ideas, and learned practical skills that will enable them to contribute to Guåhan’s agricultural future. As more farmers embrace sustainable practices and gain access to essential resources, the future of Guåhan’s farming community looks brighter than ever, with new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and innovation on the horizon!