A call to culture and community kicked off the 2nd Annual Agricultural Symposium today.  Organizers say this year’s theme — “Rooted In Resilience” — celebrates Guam’s strength in the face of challenges, from typhoons to pandemics. 

A chant and prayer by Gi Matan Guma’ opened Day 1 of the three-day forum at the Guam Museum, setting a tone of tradition and unity. Farmers, island leaders, and the wider agriculture community gathered to talk about the shared goal of food security and sustainability.

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero gave the welcoming remarks, announcing, "I’ll tell you, when the pandemic happened, it was one of the scariest, scariest parts of my life as governor. And one of the things that I did was gathered all the people that were stakeholders and said, ‘how are we going to continue feeding our people?’ And we worked to continue feeding our people. I know people that created gardens and farms in their backyard as a result of the pandemic. Why? Because we are resilient and we are resourceful."

The Northern Guam Soil and Water Conservation District is leading the event with local partners. District manager Jenelyn Abinales says the symposium honors generations who’ve cared for the land despite countless storms, literal and figurative. "Yet, we continue to plant to grow and to nourish. We continue to care for our land and water, knowing that doing so, we care for each other," she said.

Vice Speaker Tony Ada says agriculture is more than just a livelihood but a legacy, noting, "From backyard farming, to traditional farms, to traditional farming to innovations, we are united by a shared commitment to nourish our land and most especially our community."

Senator Shelly Calvo adds the gathering celebrates the unseen work that sustains the island's food system — from soil and water conservation to community collaboration. "By conserving these resources today, you are safeguarding them for generations and generations to come," she said. "That is the essence of resilience."

The Agricultural Symposium continues through Friday at the Guam Museum. Over three days, participants will hear from legacy farmers and learn about new technologies like hydroponics and aquaponics, planting the seeds for a more food-secure future.