Hawaii Agriculture Research Center

Who We Are

The Hawai'i Agriculture Research Center (HARC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting a viable agricultural sector through research and education. With a rich history dating back to 1895, HARC is committed to applying relevant science and technology to achieve practical solutions and identify new agricultural opportunities.

Our Mission

At HARC, our mission is to develop and demonstrate appropriate technologies in support of production agricultural research, promoting rural community economic vitality through agriculture. We strive to educate the public regarding the scientific research and practice of agriculture, providing information and training in agricultural and natural resource conservation principles. We also provide training and rehabilitation programs for agricultural workers, support the development of agribusiness opportunities, and conduct scientific research in production agriculture.

Our Services

HARC offers a range of services, including research, education, and outreach programs. Our research programs focus on horticultural crop research, including agronomy and plant nutrition, plant physiology, breeding, genetic engineering, and control of diseases and pests through integrated pest management. We also conduct research on forestry, coffee, cacao, forages, vegetable crops, tropical fruits, and other diversified crops.

Facilities

Our modern laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and equipment, providing a comprehensive environment for our staff of agronomists, weed scientists, pathologists, physiologists, molecular biologists, horticulturists, plant breeders, sugar technologists, chemists, and conservationists. An excellent technical library supports our researchers' work.

History

Founded in 1895 as the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association (HSPA), HARC has evolved over the years to become a leading research center in tropical agriculture. We have expanded our research interest to include forestry, coffee, cacao, forages, vegetable crops, tropical fruits, and other diversified crops. Our facilities have relocated several times, including a move from the Robert L. Cushing Building in Aiea, Hawaii to Kunia, Hawaii in 2008.

Our Team

Meet our dedicated team, led by our Executive Director, Stephanie Whalen. Our research faculty comprises experts in plant molecular biology, molecular biology, forest science, and genetics, among others. We also have a dedicated team for education and outreach, including our Education Program Coordinator, Wendy Rosen.

Research Faculty

Ming-Li Wang, PhD, Plant Molecular Biologist

Xiaoling (Linda) He, PhD, Molecular Biologist

Nicklos Dudley, MS, Senior Forest Scientist

Nathan Fumia, PhD, Genetic Resources Scientist

Maureen M. Fitch, PhD, Plant Physiologist

Huynh Cong Luyen, PhD, Plant Genomics

Juli Burden, MS, Agrivoltaic Systems Lead

Giselle Brant, MS, Agrivoltaic Systems Research

Chifumi Nagai, Ph. D., Senior Research Scientist, Plant Breeding/ Biotechnology, Emeritus

Robert V. Osgood, Ph. D., Senior Research Scientist, Agronomist, Emeritus

Education and Outreach

Our education and outreach programs aim to educate the public regarding the scientific research and practice of agriculture. We provide information and training in agricultural and natural resource conservation principles. We also provide training and rehabilitation programs for agricultural workers and support the development of agribusiness opportunities.

Seeds 4 Tomorrow

Seeds 4 Tomorrow is our education program for K-12 students, aiming to inspire and educate the next generation of agricultural leaders. Join us in our mission to support a viable agricultural sector through research and education.

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