Mark your 2010 calendar for Saturday, April 3, and the long anticipated third annual Maui County Agricultural Festival. Taking place on the lü‘au grounds of Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapü, here is a must-attend event for those seeking to learn about local agriculture and its vital role in creating a sustainable future for Maui. Presented through a partnership between Maui County Farm Bureau and County of Maui, Office of Economic Development, the Ag Fest seeks to raise awareness about the business of agriculture, so we can keep agriculture alive on Maui. Festival hours are 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Festival highlights:

• Victory Farm... Our food depends on seeds, livestock sunshine, water, rich soil, and dedicated farmers. Wander a farm to learn about Maui’s crops.

...and Maui's livestock aid farm management, provide high-quality protein, and keep managed lands green. Come and appreciate our animals. Sponsored by Maui Cattle Company.

• Taste Education
Great chefs opt for great flavors fresh from local farms. Feast on lunch or tastings; stick around for demonstrations from seafood prep to cooking with canoe crops. (Fees apply.)

• Grown on Maui
A farmers market to connect you with the farmers who grow your food; discover also value-added products, equally vital to Maui's sustainability - such as taro chips, pickles, brewed coffee. Sponsored by The Alexander & Baldwin Foundation.

• Food Booths
From humble crop to satisfying meal - Enjoy Maui Cattle Company all natural hamburgers, chow fun, Roselani ice cream and more.

• Keiki Activities
Carrots carousing and cabbages grinning, kids learn when at play. Have fun with barnyard games and petting livestock; plant tomatoes or create wearable art. It's get-your-hands dirty time!

• Wellness/Health
How can you fix a quick but nutritious meal for the family or incorporate more fresh foods after the Festival? Stop by for demonstrations and information.

• Ask the Farm Doctor
For nascent and pro farmers, representatives from agricultural colleges and other agricultural allies provide hands-on answers.

• Culinary Contests
Share your own best recipes based on fresh ingredients and find out how they compare. Emcee Alaka‘i Paleka herself will be tasting, while keeping an eye on the judges.

• Composting
When recycled, organic waste and nutrients can turn into fertile compost. Learn how to make compost at home with kitchen scraps and garden waste. It is fun, easy, and responsible.

• Literary Resources
Stock up on ag books with an on-site book store courtesy of Barnes & Nobles, which will donate ten percent of profits to Maui County Farm Bureau's Ag Foundation, a 501(c)3 established to operate educational programs for Maui's youth.

• Story Telling
Learn Hawaiian agriculture words and phrases with KPOA Radio Morning Mana‘o host Luana Kawa‘a.

• Farm Tours
Learn more about Maui's agri-tourism sector and the farm tours available over the weekend and all year long.