Guam Regional Workshop Training Reflections Fall 2024
Each year, the National AgrAbility Project offers various learning opportunities across the country. These events include the National Training Workshop in the spring, followed by two regional training workshops. Last summer, Michigan AgrAbility played a key role in coordinating and hosting an assistive technology training session in Ann Arbor. This fall, the Western Region Agricultural Stress Assistance Program collaborated with the University of Guam to host Ta Måmta Mo’na (Thriving Together): Building Resilient Farming Communities in Micronesia.
The conference drew nearly 200 attendees from the United States, Micronesia, and Taiwan. Sessions covered topics such as stress management, ergonomics, caregiver support, and risky behavior in rural youth. Michigan’s own Ned Stoller presented two sessions on conducting farm assessments and DIY assistive technology. A critical takeaway from the conference was the significant lack of local food processing in Guam. The island depends heavily on imported goods delivered by ships and planes, creating severe challenges during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and a 2023 hurricane that left communities without supplies or power for weeks. Building resilience within farming communities in Guam and Micronesia was a central theme of the conference because of these recent collective memories.
In addition to researchers and presenters, the event featured the AmuBwiy Puing Cultural Arts Group, an indigenous dance troupe from Taiwan. They led sessions exploring the connections between traditional culture, including song, dance, weaving, and traditional dress, and agriculture. Audience participation added a lively and engaging element to these sessions.
The conference concluded with an optional farm tour, which was a highlight for many attendees. The tour included visits to three farms, the largest, Manhita Farm, spanning 20 acres and producing various fruits and vegetables. One unique practice observed was the trellising of eggplants, a method uncommon in the Midwest but essential locally to protect plants from the constant ocean winds. The group also visited a three-acre farm, Farm to Table Guam, that offers a farmer’s market and a CSA (community-supported agriculture) as well as farmer training opportunities. This farm operates in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, making land rent affordable—a critical factor on an island where land is scarce and costly. (More info about agriculture in Guam here.) Another stop included the University of Guam’s agricultural hall, where participants enjoyed lunch, toured a small tree nursery, and admired a stunning view of the bay. The day ended with a boat trip to a historic village in the Valley of the Latte, also home to a fish hatchery and a small farm. The tour was informative, engaging, and a vivid reminder of Guam’s hot and humid climate after two days in a conference hall!
As always, the opportunity to meet AgrAbility staff from across the country, researchers and program supporters from two continents, and local farmers and veterans was invaluable. These connections and insights will continue to inform and enrich the work of Michigan AgrAbility for seasons to come.