The Breadfruit Institute

The Breadfruit Institute, established in 2003 by the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) in Hawaii, is dedicated to the conservation, study, and promotion of breadfruit (Artocarpus spp.) as a sustainable and nutritious food source. The Institute manages the world's largest living collection of breadfruit, representing over 150 varieties from more than 30 islands. Its work extends globally, including active connections to the Caribbean. In Jamaica, the Institute supports a pilot breadfruit agroforestry project at the Plantain Garden River Agro-Park in Golden Grove, St. Thomas. This project, implemented in collaboration with the Source Farm Foundation and the GWG Organic Research Station, aims to integrate breadfruit into agroforestry systems to enhance food security, promote regenerative agriculture, and provide economic opportunities for local farmers. The Institute’s broader efforts include developing agroforestry models that improve soil health, conserve biodiversity, and increase resilience to climate change, with similar projects implemented in Puerto Rico and other tropical regions. Through research, conservation, and education, the Breadfruit Institute strengthens sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems in tropical communities, including the Caribbean.