36th Hawaii International Tropical Fruit Conference set - The Garden Island

LIHUE — “Growing Fruits, Growing Markets” is the theme of the 36th Hawaii International Tropical Fruit Conference set for Oct. 2-4 at the Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort in Lihue. The 2026 conference offers a full lineup of educational offerings, a panel discussion, trade show and the annual Famous Fruit Tasting, according to a press release. Geared to farmers, educators, orchard managers and proponents of sustainable agriculture, the conference is presented by the statewide Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers (HTFG) and open to the public. Enjoy an early bird discount of $40 before Aug. 15. Guest speakers are Jared Rydelek, rare fruit hunter and creator of the long-running YouTube Channel, “Weird Explorer,” and Steven Murray Jr. of Murray Family Farms in Bakersfield, Calif. For 14 years, Rydelek has traveled to over 50 countries in his quest to document every fruit in the world — so far he has filmed about 1,000 species. With a BA in Plant Science, Murray is a passionate fruit explorer, regenerative farmer and advocate for exotic and tropical fruit cultivation. As a steward of Certified Organic Murray Family Farms, he leads the company’s farmers market division. He has studied traditional farming systems and sought out rare fruit varieties worldwide, resulting in one of North America’s most diverse living collections — with over 2,000 fruit varieties under cultivation. “Attendees will also hear from other experts from across the industry, government and research sectors,” said conference chair Umi Martin, who practices high density mango farming in Kekaha. “Throughout the conference, there will be networking breaks and Q&As with the unique opportunity to interact directly with featured speakers and experts.” Danny Rubenstein, who serves on the boards of Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific Export Council, will lead a panel focusing on “expanding markets to grow our industry individually and as a whole.” The trade show will host vendors, information booths from various state and county agencies, as well as USDA research, UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB). “Our famous and much-anticipated tropical fruit tasting will be Saturday afternoon offering a large array of locally grown tropical and exotic fruits,” adds Martin. “In addition, there will be friendly fruit tasting throughout the conference during network breaks.” The three-day gathering continues Sunday with interactive farm tours at Moloaa Organicaa and Kauai Food Forest. Also planned is a demonstration on the innovative steam irradication technique to battle Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles by Lance Steam. The conference is made possible with the support of Hawaii DAB, Kauai Irrigation and HTFG members from across the state. Registration and fee schedules are available at https://www.htfg.org/event-details/36th-annual-hawaii-tropical-fruit-growers-conference-2026 or by contacting Ken Love at kenlove@hawaiiantel.net or Mark Suiso at mark.suiso@gmail.com. Deadline to book accommodations at the host hotel is Sept. 2 while sign-up deadline to be included in the conference’s meal services is Sept. 10.