About HCIA
The Hawaii Crop Improvement Association (HCIA) is a nonprofit trade association that promotes modern agriculture to help farmers and communities succeed. Through education, collaboration and advocacy, we work to ensure a safe and sustainable food supply, support responsible farming practices and build a healthy economy. Now the state’s largest agricultural commodity, the seed industry contributes to the economic health and diversity of the islands by providing high quality jobs in rural communities, keeping important agricultural lands in agricultural use, and serving as responsible stewards of Hawaii’s natural resources.
Our Mission
HCIA is a Hawaii-based non-profit organization that promotes modern agriculture to help farmers and communities succeed. Through education, collaboration and advocacy, we work to ensure a safe and sustainable food supply, support responsible farming practices and build a healthy economy.
Our Vision
Growing the future of worldwide agriculture in Hawaii.
Growing the future of worldwide agriculture in Hawaii.
Our History
Maize in Hawaii goes back to the missionary era. It was limited to highland cultivation in the 19th century because of tropical lowland diseases. Then plant breeding techniques mastered in the 20th century provided genetic resistance to the disease.
The predecessor of today’s seed industry began as winter nurseries on Molokai in the 1960s. In 1971, Dr. James Brewbaker founded the Hawaii Crop Improvement Association (HCIA) on Molokai as an offshoot of the Corn Research Program at the University of Hawaii College of Agriculture. Today, HCIA is a nonprofit trade association representing the agricultural seed industry in Hawaii.
Board of Directors
ALAN TAKEMOTO
President
LESLIE CAMPANIANO
Vice President
LAURIE YOSHIDA
Treasurer
DAWN BICOY
Secretary
Directors at Large
WARREN MAYBERRY
MARK STOUTEMYER
Corteva
JOSHUA UYEHARA
Hartung
PATRICK RICH
Bayer
President Emeritus
WARREN MAYBERRY
JOSHUA UYEHARA