A celebration of agriculture’s vital role in the economy, environment and lifestyle of Maui, the 5th Annual Maui County Agricultural Festival is coming up on April 7, 2012.   Held on the lūʻau grounds of Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapū, Maui’s prime event to raise awareness about local agriculture on Maui invites Maui to talk story with the people who grow our food and their industry allies, to discover what agriculture means to our communities and ʻāina, to taste fresh flavors, and to have fun. Hosted by Maui County Farm Bureau in partnership with the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, and supported by generous sponsors, the festival provides the one-stop experience of the wondrous impact of agriculture in day-to-day life.

The Grand Taste Education, presented in partnership with Slow Food Maui, is an ag festival highlight featuring Grown on Maui edibles by farmer and chef teams and a program of presentations from 11 am – 2 pm. Chefs include: Sheldon Simeon, Star Noodle and Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop; Jojo Vasquez, The Banyan Tree at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua; Ryan Luckey, Pineapple Grill Kapalua Resort; Ivan Pahk, Cane & Taro at Whalers Village Fine Shops & Restaurants; Scott McGill, TS Restaurants – Hula Grill and Duke’s on the Beach; Joey Macadangdang, Roy’s Restaurant; Riko Bartolome, Asia Vous; Isaac Bancaco, Humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa at Grand Wailea; Brandon Shim, Tommy Bahama at The Shops at Wailea; Marc McDowell, Makena Beach & Golf Resort; and Tylun Pang, Kō at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui. Grand Taste Education tickets on sale by Slow Food Maui for $25 before April 5. $5 from the sale of each ticket purchased here will be donated to Slow Food Maui and earmarked for its agricultural education programs.