Hawaii Farmers at High Risk for Suicide, UH Study Finds

Researchers cite weather disasters, uncertainty, and physical demands as contributing factors to mental health crisis.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:27am

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A translucent X-ray photograph showing the intricate bone structure and veins of a farmer's hands holding a small seedling, conveying the physical demands and fragility of the farming profession.An X-ray view of a farmer's hands, highlighting the physical toll of their essential work.Honolulu Today

A new study by the University of Hawaii's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience has found that Hawaii's farmers have the third-highest suicide rate in the state, with 59 deaths per 100,000 population. The study's co-author, Professor Thao Le, says farming is an industry with a much higher level of uncertainty and physical demands, which can take a toll on mental health. The Hawaii Farm Bureau also notes that recent Kona low storms have caused at least $40 million in losses, further exacerbating the challenges farmers face.

Why it matters

This study sheds light on the mental health crisis facing Hawaii's agricultural community, which is vital to the state's food security and economy. Addressing the high suicide rate among farmers is crucial to supporting this essential workforce and ensuring the long-term sustainability of local food production.

The details

The UH study looked at all recorded suicide deaths in Hawaii between 2013 and 2023, finding that farmers have the third-highest suicide rate in the state, behind only carpenters and construction laborers. Professor Thao Le, the study's co-author, says the high level of uncertainty and physical demands in farming contribute to the mental health challenges. The Hawaii Farm Bureau also notes that recent Kona low storms have caused significant crop, animal, and infrastructure damage, further exacerbating the difficulties farmers face.

  • The UH study looked at suicide data from 2013 to 2023.
  • The Kona low storms that caused $40 million in losses occurred last month.

The players

University of Hawaii

The state's flagship public research university, which conducted the study on suicide rates among Hawaii's farmers.

Brian Miyamoto

Executive director of the Hawaii Farm Bureau, who spoke about the challenges and mental health struggles faced by the state's farmers.

Thao Le

Co-author of the UH study and a professor who has been involved in a peer support program for farmers called Seeds of Well Being.

Haley McKinnon

Co-founder of Ahiki Acres, a small farm in Waimanalo, who has personally struggled with depression and anxiety but is now in a better mental health space and wants to offer help to other struggling farmers.

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What they’re saying

“These are the two percent of the population growing the food for the rest of the 98 percent. They're proud, the most hard-working, most admirable people and profession out there.”

— Brian Miyamoto, Executive Director, Hawaii Farm Bureau

“Farming as a profession has a much higher level of uncertainty, along with it's physically-demanding as well.”

— Thao Le, Professor, University of Hawaii

“Farmers don't want to ask for help and they don't want to talk to people who don't really know farming and how difficult and challenging farmer is like.”

— Thao Le, Professor, University of Hawaii

“I actually have suffered from depression and anxiety in the past, but I'm in a really good space right now where I've been able to stay stronger this time. And because I am able to, I can offer help to other farmers who are struggling.”

— Haley McKinnon, Co-founder, Ahiki Acres

What’s next

The University of Hawaii and the Hawaii Farm Bureau are working to expand mental health support and peer-to-peer programs to help address the high suicide rate among the state's farming community.

The takeaway

This study highlights the immense mental health challenges facing Hawaii's farmers, who are essential to the state's food security and economy. Addressing the high suicide rate will require a multi-pronged approach, including increased access to mental health resources, peer support programs, and greater recognition of the unique stresses and uncertainties inherent in the farming profession.