Department of Agriculture

HONOLULU – The Hawai`i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has named Todd E. Low the new manager of the Aquaculture Development Program (ADP). 

ADP’s mission is to promote diversification of the State’s agriculture industry, move Hawai`i toward greater food self-sufficiency, and create viable export opportunities. 

“Todd brings with him an understanding of the important role that marketing plays in the development of aquaculture in Hawai`i,” said Sandra Lee Kunimoto, Chairperson of the Hawai`i Board of Agriculture.  “Opening new markets is crucial to the growth of the local aquaculture industry.”

“Aquaculture is important to our state because producing more of our own food moves us toward greater self-sufficiency,” said Low.  “It also helps preserve our natural resources by helping to decrease the depletion of wild fish and other resources from the sea.”

As ADP manager, Low will be spearheading a campaign to educate consumers about the great variety of fresh and flavorful aquaculture products available in Hawai`i, and the benefits of buying locally-grown aquaculture products, which helps strengthen our local economy.

Low previously served as the manager of HDOA’s Market Development Branch, overseeing several programs that focused on marketing Hawai`i’s agriculture products in local, domestic and international markets.  The programs included the Seals of Quality program, which helps companies market their premium products; the Buy Fresh Buy Local campaign, which encourages Hawai`i consumers to purchase local food products; and the Matching Marketing Funds Program, which supports the marketing efforts of local farmers by providing matching funds for distribution, tradeshow and education projects.  His knowledge of agricultural distribution systems is seen as a key component in growing the market for aquaculture products.

Before joining HDOA, Low was the Product Development Manager at American Savings Bank and constructed financial modeling for new products in addition to overseeing training modules prior to the roll-out of those products.  Previous to ASB, he was the Interactive Marketing Manager for the Hawai`i Visitors & Convention Bureau, where he was responsible for marketing programs to Asia, Australia, Europe and North America, and where he developed the state’s official tourism web site, https://www.gohawaii.com.  

Low received his bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Hawai`i.  Low resides in Honolulu with his wife, Meredith, and two children.

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