Census: Guam Farms Increase by 319, Sales Value Rises by 60% Over Five Years

Guam's Farming Sector Sees Major Growth in Five Years, Census Shows

Guam’s agricultural sector has seen a major boost over the past five years, with the number of farms more than doubling and the overall sales value increasing by 60%, according to the newly released 2023 Census of Agriculture.

The number of farms jumped from 264 in 2018 to 583 in 2023—an increase of 319 farms. During the same period, total agricultural sales grew from $3.84 million to $6.16 million. On average, each farm generated about $10,570 in 2023.

The data, released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, provides the most detailed look yet at Guam’s evolving farming landscape.

“We’re encouraged by the results, especially the increase in the number of farmers captured,” said Guam Agriculture Director Chelsa D. Muña. “This data provides an essential snapshot of Guam’s agriculture and the hardworking individuals behind it.”

According to Muña, the census is not just a statistical report—it’s a critical tool for developing policies, guiding investments, and strengthening Guam’s food security and rural development.

Key Growth Areas

Much of the growth in agricultural sales came from nursery crops and hemp, which generated over $2.1 million in 2023—up from zero in 2018. Vegetable and melon sales rose from about $1.84 million to $2.63 million, while livestock sales increased nearly fivefold from $81,400 to $388,300. Poultry sales also grew significantly, from $57,950 to $236,949.

Fruit, nut, root crop, fish, and aquaculture data were withheld to protect individual farm identities.

Who Are Guam’s Farmers?

The census shows a farming population largely made up of older adults: 67% of Guam’s farmers are aged 55 and older. Only 5% are under 35. Most farmers (66%) reported that farming is their primary occupation, and 55% live on their farms. Men make up 66% of farmers, while women represent 34%.

In terms of ethnicity, 71% of Guam’s farmers identified as CHamoru, 17% as Filipino, 9% as white, and smaller percentages as Japanese, Chinese, Korean, other Asians, or Pacific Islanders.

More Farms, Smaller Sizes

While the number of farms increased by 121%, the average farm size dropped from 9.2 acres to 4.9 acres—mostly due to a surge in small-scale farms. Farms under 1 acre rose from 55 in 2018 to 181 in 2023. Farms between 1 and 2.9 acres also grew significantly—from 84 to 212.

Land used for farming increased from 2,441 acres to 2,848 acres, a 17% rise.

Supporting Guam’s Food Future

Jathan Muña-Barnes, agriculturalist at the Guam Department of Agriculture, noted that the growth in farm numbers signals a growing focus on local food production and food security.

“This transformation reflects a powerful shift toward food sovereignty. But to sustain it, we must invest in infrastructure, create farm-to-table pathways, and involve our youth,” he said.

L. Robert Barber Jr., interim associate director at the University of Guam Cooperative Extension & Outreach, emphasized the importance of the improved census coverage, especially among subsistence farmers whose small-scale operations contribute significantly to the local economy.

The Census of Agriculture, conducted every five years, is widely used by government agencies, researchers, and industry leaders to guide decisions on funding, technology development, disaster recovery, and support programs aimed at building a resilient agricultural system.