GoFarm Hawaii | University of Hawai驶i System News /news News from the University of Hawaii Fri, 28 Nov 2025 18:34:54 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /news/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cropped-糖心Vlog官方News512-1-32x32.jpg GoFarm Hawaii | University of Hawai驶i System News /news 32 32 28449828 GoFarm Hawai驶i grows Maui鈥檚 next generation of farmers /news/2025/11/28/maui-farmers/ Fri, 28 Nov 2025 18:34:54 +0000 /news/?p=226044 CTAHR鈥檚 GoFarm Hawaiʻi Extension Program is training its 10th group of new farmers on its P奴lehunui training site on Maui.

The post GoFarm Hawai驶i grows Maui鈥檚 next generation of farmers first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>
Reading time: 2 minutes
people farming
Aspiring Maui farmers learning from Evan Ryan of Pono Grown Farm during AgXposure.

To cultivate the future of sustainable agriculture in Hawaiʻi, GoFarm Hawaiʻi, an extension program of the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 (CTAHR), is training its 10th group of new farmers on its P奴lehunui training site on Maui in September.

The cohort began with the five-week AgXposure phase, where participants explored diverse production systems and learned directly from established Maui farmers. Site visits included K膿艒kea Malalani with Common Ground Collective, Kupaʻa Farms, L膩 ʻUlu at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens and Hawaiʻi Taro Farm.

group photo
Students who completed GoFarm Hawaiʻi鈥檚 AgXposure and are now in AgXcel, which combines classroom lessons, business skills development, and hands-on field training.

“Being part of AgXposure outlined the state of farming and agriculture on Maui and showed us that there are many methods of farming and many ways to impact the food system鈥t has opened more doors of opportunity, and my imagination has run wild with all the possibilities,” shared one aspiring farmer.

From seed to sales: hands-on training, specialized skills

Nine students who completed AgXposure have advanced into the 7–month intensive AgXcel phase. The curriculum covers everything from seed to sales: crop production, soil health, farm systems, equipment operation, harvest techniques, food safety, farm financials and more.

Each student is required to develop a detailed crop plan of 25 varieties of vegetables for a 7–week Community Supported Agriculture—a weekly subscription box of mixed vegetables—that they will implement under the guidance of their farm coach. Students will also market their produce and track sales to practice essential entrepreneurial skills.

The group is expected to graduate in April 2026. Graduates who demonstrate they can manage a farm may apply for the AgIncubator program, the final stage of GoFarm Hawaiʻi鈥檚 pathway to farm ownership.

.

The post GoFarm Hawai驶i grows Maui鈥檚 next generation of farmers first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>
226044
Growing Hawai驶i鈥檚 future: 糖心Vlog官方 program brings modern business skills to local farmers /news/2025/02/13/growing-hawaiis-future/ Thu, 13 Feb 2025 22:48:12 +0000 /news/?p=210858 More than 600 local farmers have graduated from 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 GoFarm Hawaiʻi program.

The post Growing Hawai驶i鈥檚 future: 糖心Vlog官方 program brings modern business skills to local farmers first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>
Reading time: 2 minutes
people in farm field
GoFarm Hawaiʻi

Ian Kennedy credits (GFH) with leveling up his farming business, Strata Farms. “It gave me the financial literacy of startup costs in a farm, my first exposure to cash-flow projections to determine business viability, and allowed me to feel confident investing into farming as a career,” said Ian Kennedy, a 2024 graduate of the Waim膩nalo GoFarm AgIncubator. Through the program, Ian joined a hui of 10 other farmers to learn diversified vegetable production.

people by truck filled with vegetables
GoFarm Hawaiʻi

An extension program of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s (CTAHR), GoFarm Hawaiʻi is training the next generation of agriculture leaders in modern farming and business practices. More than 600 local farmers have graduated from the program since 2013 and are using the knowledge gained through the program to build their small-scale operations. Supporting small farmers is vital for the future of local food production—90% of the state鈥檚 farmers cultivate crops on less than 50 acres of land, according to the 2023 Hawaiʻi State Data Book.

GoFarm Hawaiʻi blends classroom instruction with hands-on experience in sustainable vegetable production and business management. This approach empowers participants to succeed as “agri-preneurs,” driving local food production and strengthening the agricultural economy. Last year, the program provided 15,430 training hours to 88 participants, who are projected to produce 1.8 million pounds of food in the next five years.

Growing more fruits, vegetables, and livestock in Hawaiʻi

people in farm field
GoFarm Hawaiʻi

In 2024, graduates averaged 44 years old鈥17 years younger than the average farmer in Hawaiʻi. Nearly 90% of graduates since 2022 have launched farm businesses or joined the agriculture workforce, addressing the state鈥檚 aging farmer population. Their work keeps the state moving forward in our shared vision of a Hawaiʻi where more of our fruits, vegetables, and proteins are grown, harvested, and prepared by our neighbors.

The program offers graduates ongoing support and land access for up to three years, providing them a low-risk opportunity to start their own businesses. Since 2017, participants have reached nearly $1.5 million in farm sales, showcasing GFH鈥檚 impact on fostering sustainable farm businesses.

GFH鈥檚 innovative approach exemplifies 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 commitment to workforce development, one of the pillars of 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 strategic plan. To learn more, or e-mail info@gofarmhawaii.org.

people in front of store
GoFarm Hawaiʻi
The post Growing Hawai驶i鈥檚 future: 糖心Vlog官方 program brings modern business skills to local farmers first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>
210858
Training for farmers in native languages gets $743K boost /news/2023/06/15/life-program-usda-boost/ Thu, 15 Jun 2023 23:09:19 +0000 /news/?p=178880 The funding from USDA boosts language-appropriate outreach, services and more to Thai, Lao, Ilocano, Chinese and other immigrant farmers.

The post Training for farmers in native languages gets $743K boost first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>
Reading time: 2 minutes
people looking at paper
A Natural Resources Conservation Service engineer demonstrated ways to estimate soil moisture during an Irrigation Water Management workshop on Kauaʻi.

The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 (CTAHR) has received from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide language-appropriate outreach to Thai, Lao, Ilocano, Chinese and other immigrant farmers. Funding is made through the USDA Office of Partnership and Public Engagement鈥檚 Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers program, also known as the 2501 program.

“This grant gives us the ability to expand some of the long-term, ongoing work of CTAHR extension agents who have been striving to better serve the diverse populations we have in the state,” said Emilie Kirk, an assistant extension agent located on Kauaʻi and the (LIFE) program lead. “The funds will also help us revitalize the LIFE program as a statewide umbrella for these efforts that have been going on.”

The meaning of ‘LIFE

two farmers looking at plant
A Farm Doctor visit with CTAHR Extension faculty examining a Thai farmer’s dying young avocado tree.

The LIFE program first started as the Socially Disadvantaged Farmer Program by former Extension Associate Specialist Sabina Swift in 2002, stemming from the need to provide accessible pesticide safety education in multiple languages for Hawaiʻi鈥檚 diverse population.

Under the management of Extension Agent Jari Sugano from 2008, the LIFE program has provided training in addition to outreach, technical assistance and language accessibility to immigrant farmers with limited English proficiency, ultimately giving underserved producers more meaningful access to agricultural services.

With the current three-year grant, the LIFE program is collaborating with , the , and other partners, tailoring workshops and more to fit each community they work with specifically at the time. Structured to focus on two islands per year, the LIFE program is currently spotlighting the Thai and Lao languages on the islands of Kauaʻi and Oʻahu.

In the first half of 2023, the LIFE program has been able to support Thai farmers through an irrigation water management workshop on Kauaʻi; an agriculture land financing workshop given in both English and Thai on Kauaʻi; farmer resource fairs featuring more than 20 service providers and multiple language interpreters on Kauaʻi and Oʻahu; and Farm Doctor (a subprogram of the LIFE program) visits with CTAHR extension faculty on Kauaʻi to address farmer needs on an individual basis.

“We recognize the diverse needs and dynamic demographics of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 agricultural community,” said Kirk. “We want to remain adaptive and responsive to keep up and to the best of our abilities provide services to the full spectrum of our farmers across the islands.”

Upcoming events include an Oʻahu irrigation workshop, training video production and farm record keeping workshops on both islands.

people visiting booths at resource fair
Kauaʻi Farmer Resource Fair
The post Training for farmers in native languages gets $743K boost first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>
178880
鈥楤ows help Big Red grow in horticulture knowledge /news/2023/04/11/bows-help-big-red-grow/ Tue, 11 Apr 2023 22:21:06 +0000 /news/?p=175564 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 CTAHR Cooperative Extension hosted the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Horticulture Club to help them learn more about horticulture in Hawaiʻi.

The post 鈥楤ows help Big Red grow in horticulture knowledge first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>
Reading time: 2 minutes
people sitting at table examining plants
4-H Extension agent Christine Hanakawa with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln students

The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 (CTAHR) helped a midwest university club grow in horticulture knowledge during their five-day spring break trip.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln鈥檚 Horticulture Club journeyed to Hawaiʻi and explored research and horticultural opportunities and insight through CTAHR鈥檚 Cooperative Extension. The students toured the Waim膩nalo Research Station and Urban Garden Center and viewed the aquaponics and aquaculture field trial areas with the Sustainable and Organic Agriculture program. They also learned about minor crop registration issues on coffee with the Cooperative Extension鈥檚 IR-4 Minor Crop Registration Program and set up a static hydroponic system developed using CTAHR-generated science.

people at farm learning about plants

For a cultural learning experience, the Nebraskan club had the opportunity to visit the beginner farmer program to learn about food sustainability; they saw native Hawaiian plants and explored cultural preservation with the Master Garden Program, and learned about culturally important crops such as m膩maki (typically brewed for tea) and other local flowers and resources that could be used to make plant-based dyes and more with Oʻahu 4-H.

“As a faculty member with an extension appointment, I knew we would be able to see many horticultural opportunities by reaching out to CTAHR Extension,” said Terri James, associate extension educator at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

CTAHR鈥檚 team made up of Christine Hanakawa, Alberto Ricordi, Jensen Uyeda, Ted Radovich, Tina Lau, Eric Collier, Ken Leonhardt, James Kam, Richard Fisher and Pono Chung lined up horticultural examples in both the urban and research settings.

The students came away with a better understanding of the much different microclimate zones than their own zones, yet sharing similar issues such as a lack of rain on the leeward side of Oʻahu鈥檚 mountain range having a rain shadow effect. Nebraskans also have that effect on the western side of their state due to the Rocky Mountain range.

“My main goal with these trips is to have students see that, although they learn horticulture in one location, by understanding the basics, they can apply their knowledge to any geographical location,” James said. “Thank you CTAHR for hosting us. We had a fantastic time. I look forward to our next visit. And, if you are in Nebraska, please let us return the favor.”

student holding cloth with pattern made from plant-based dyes
Example of plant-based dyes
The post 鈥楤ows help Big Red grow in horticulture knowledge first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>
175564
Agriculture, farming successes, concerns shared with lawmakers /news/2023/02/06/agriculture-farming-successes-concerns-shared-lawmakers/ Tue, 07 Feb 2023 01:04:48 +0000 /news/?p=172336 The visit to Waim膩nalo Research Station allowed the policymakers to connect with farmers who impact the local food system.

The post Agriculture, farming successes, concerns shared with lawmakers first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>
Reading time: 2 minutes
Senators with CTAHR graduate farmers
Sens. Richards, III, DeCoite, Gabbard and Awa with CTAHR graduate farmers

The successes and concerns of University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 (CTAHR) Waim膩nalo Research Station were recently shared during a visit with state legislators.

Sens. Mike Gabbard, Lynn DeCoite, Herbert M. “Tim” Richards, III and Brenton Awa, representing the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment, in addition to Micah-Seth Munekata of met with CTAHR鈥檚 program and its farmer graduates.

“It was great to have so many Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee members visit with the GoFarm Hawaiʻi staff and farmers at CTAHR‘s Waim膩nalo Research Station,” said Janel Yamamoto, director of GoFarm Hawaiʻi. “The Senators were able to connect directly with the GoFarm Hawaiʻi team and graduate farmers to see how they are impacting the local food system and learn about challenges. Hopefully this will translate into increased support for our agricultural sector.”

Initiated by Gabbard, the visit allowed him and fellow committee members to prepare for the 2023 legislative session. The meeting granted them the chance to “see the wonderful work that [CTAHR] is doing in creating the next generation of trained and successful farmers,” said DeCoite.

“That鈥檚 why we鈥檙e here,” said Gabbard. “You can imagine the paperwork our staff has to consider in dealing with about 3,000 bills introduced every year in the legislature. This visit makes it real. We meet the people, we鈥檙e out here on the land, so when we consider that legislation, we remember Janel, and Laura Ediger, and Rachel Ladrig. This makes it real.”

Although the senators did not visit in relation to a specific bill or ask, the opportunity to have them see and connect with Hawaiʻi鈥檚 local farmers demonstrated the value of the program.

Graduate students showing Sen. Gabbard the farm plots

The post Agriculture, farming successes, concerns shared with lawmakers first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>
172336
$1.9M investment in Hawai驶i鈥檚 food and agriculture /news/2022/10/31/nifa-food-and-agriculture-grants/ Mon, 31 Oct 2022 20:49:04 +0000 /news/?p=168309 糖心Vlog官方 received three grants to find innovative solutions for food, agriculture, water and Native Hawaiian communities.

The post $1.9M investment in Hawai驶i鈥檚 food and agriculture first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>
Reading time: 3 minutes
Person in taro patch
ʻIke K奴puna will broaden participation in the natural resource sciences by incorporating indigenous knowledge into ecological coursework (Co-PI Andrea Kealoha) or ʻIke K奴puna will Build self-sufficiency of local Indigenous farmers to monitor water quality

The University of Hawaiʻi recently received a total of $1.9 million from the federal government to promote and strengthen its ability as a Native Hawaiian-serving institution to carry out education, applied research and related community development programs broadly within food and agricultural sciences. The three grants are from the U.S. Department of Agriculture鈥檚 , which was established in 2008 to find innovative solutions to issues related to agriculture, food, the environment and communities. Two grants went to and one went to .

“This funding is an important investment in the future of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 food and agriculture system, and the Native Hawaiian communities that have been stewards of the land for centuries,” Sen. Mazie Hirono said in a release. “糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 programs, like , play an important role in teaching and training the next generation of individuals who will care for the land and be responsible for strengthening Hawaiʻi鈥檚 sustainability practices. I am glad that this funding will be used to support our local economy, develop our workforce, and engage members of the Native Hawaiian community as we work to protect the land and feed our communities for years to come.”

Grants and excerpts of their descriptions

Person on a boat testing water sample
King Kekaulike high school student, Jonah Goldberg, collects samples on Maui for water quality analyses.
Two people in lab looking at test tubes
USDA student intern, Kehau Kimokeo, and water quality lab technician, Arik Dadez, process coral tissue samples collected in the Papah膩naumoku膩kea Marine National Monument.

Hawaii-One-Ag 2022: Enhancing Agricultural Education at the University of Hawaii ($999,970)

“The goal of Hawaii-One-Ag is to engage increasing numbers of Hawaii residents in post-secondary education. Educational opportunities in agriculture and environmental management are available at almost all 糖心Vlog官方 colleges and universities. Our plan to better connect and articulate these opportunities will provide prospective students with pathways to obtaining degrees and employment in rewarding careers.”

ʻIke Kupuna: Integrating Traditional Knowledge Into Natural Resource Sciences ($475,000)

“The health of island communities and cultures depends on the quality and abundance of water resources. However, managing our limited water resources in the face of growing pressures such as a rising population, land-use changes and climate change, is challenging. In addition, there is a need to increase indigenous peoples’ participation in the management of their natural resources.

ʻIke Kupuna: Integrating Traditional Knowledge Into Natural Resource Sciences, will combine education and extension with a focus on traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and practices to broaden participation in the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (FAN) sciences and ensure the perpetuation of Maui’s water resources. ʻIke Kupuna will focus on curriculum design, student experiential learning, and student recruitment, retention and educational equity. ʻIke Kupuna will build self-sufficiency in the indigenous grower community by offering a training program and resources for water quality monitoring. In total, this project will directly impact 53 people, of which 45% will be Native Hawaiian.”

GoFarm Hawaii (GFH): Growing Hawaii鈥檚 Agricultural Workforce and Industry ($440,000)

person with a hat holding a bunch of vegetables

“This Integrated Research, Education and Extension project will help improve Hawaii’s local economy, reduce its dependence on imported food, and increase food sustainability by educating and developing the local agricultural workforce. GoFarm Hawaii (GFH) prepares students for careers in food, agriculture, and natural resources by offering a certificate-based farmer training program that provides a non-traditional, experiential education pathway for adult learners. GFH also provides business technical assistance to existing and aspiring farmers.

This project will improve GFH‘s beginning farmer training by enhancing its curriculum and leadership training. Educational opportunities for farmers will be expanded through a series of courses that include growing Native Hawaiian Canoe Crops, increasing farm revenue opportunities, and improving farm skills. GFH will increase its support of Native Hawaiian (NH)/ Underrepresented (UR) community on Molokai and staff will deepen its agricultural and cultural knowledge. GFH will increase networking and outreach with NH/UR communities. Leadership opportunities for students, GFH staff, and its network will also be added. The project activities have statewide reach, fill identified needs, and create immediate economic and food system impact.”

The post $1.9M investment in Hawai驶i鈥檚 food and agriculture first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>
168309
$1M grant will kickstart Hawai驶i鈥檚 next generation of farmers /news/2022/05/26/grant-kickstarts-next-gen-farmers/ Thu, 26 May 2022 18:00:51 +0000 /news/?p=159830 This grant rounds out American AgCredit and CoBank鈥檚 $3 million commitment to invest in food security in the islands and support beginning farmers.

The post $1M grant will kickstart Hawai驶i鈥檚 next generation of farmers first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>
Reading time: 3 minutes

The future of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 agriculture, which is vital to the state鈥檚 local food supply and economic health, hinges on the next generation of farmers. To support beginning and small farmers, American AgCredit and CoBank increased their investment in the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补, (CTAHR) farmer training program, . The $1 million gift establishes a matching grant program that will help GoFarm Hawaiʻi graduates grow their agricultural businesses, which enhances food security, provides local fresh food and supports economic growth in the islands.

person with a hat holding a bunch of vegetables

“Agricultural production in Hawaiʻi is concentrated on smaller farms, and more than a third of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 farmers have less than 10 years of experience,” said CTAHR Dean Nicholas Comerford. “Supporting these young, beginning and small farmers is important to help alleviate Hawaiʻi鈥檚 reliance on imported food, which restricts access to fresh food and makes our island state especially vulnerable to disruptions in food supply. This grant enables our GoFarm Hawaiʻi graduates to build farming businesses that benefit all of us here in Hawaiʻi.”

Today, GoFarm Hawaiʻi stands as one of the largest and most successful farmer development programs in the nation, graduating 480 participants since its inception in 2013. The program provides young, beginning and small farmers with business technical assistance, educational opportunities and access to a suite of resources designed to remove barriers to farming and agribusinesses.

“The new grant directly supports GoFarm Hawaiʻi program graduates, who are now local farmers,” said GoFarm Hawaiʻi Director Janel Yamamoto. “It equips these farmers with the knowledge, experience and confidence to build and grow their farm—and contribute to Hawaiʻi鈥檚 food security and economic growth.”

person with a hat holding vegetable plants

The grant, which must be personally matched by the farmer, provides up to $25,000 per applicant, which may be used to finance a land purchase, operating expenses or equipment. The farmer match may consist of cash, a bank loan or a combination of both.

“We focus on support for young, beginning and small farmers and ranchers as a critical part of our cooperative鈥檚 mission,” said Fred Dixon, regional banking executive for American AgCredit鈥檚 coastal region. “In our experience, to be successful these farmers need capital to get started, and they need resources like business training and support. We鈥檙e pleased to partner with GoFarm Hawaiʻi to provide the foundation that young, beginning and small farmers need—in terms of capital and skills—to kickstart their future, and agriculture in Hawaiʻi.”

“CoBank is delighted to expand on our partnership with American AgCredit and GoFarm Hawaiʻi to support a new generation of agriculture in Hawaiʻi,” said Brenda Frank, executive vice president of CoBank鈥檚 Farm Credit Banking Group. “The GoFarm Hawaiʻi program creates opportunities for entry and strong pathways toward success for young, beginning and small producers, which in turn strengthens local agriculture and food access throughout the state.”

This grant rounds out American AgCredit and CoBank鈥檚 $3 million commitment to invest in food security in the islands and support young, beginning and small farmers new to the agriculture space.

“It is truly inspiring to see partners such as American AgCredit and CoBank step in with their generous donations to address critical issues like Hawaiʻi鈥檚 food security and local economy,” said Tim Dolan, 糖心Vlog官方 Foundation CEO and 糖心Vlog官方 vice president of advancement. “We are grateful for their investment in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 next generation of farmers.”

This effort is an example of 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 goal of (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

person in a green shirt tending to garden of crops

The post $1M grant will kickstart Hawai驶i鈥檚 next generation of farmers first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>
159830
$1.6M for agriculture education for Native Hawaiian, underrepresented students /news/2021/09/13/usda-grant-for-agriculture-education/ Mon, 13 Sep 2021 23:06:14 +0000 /news/?p=147869 USDA grants to 糖心Vlog官方 support food and agriculture education.

The post $1.6M for agriculture education for Native Hawaiian, underrepresented students first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>
Reading time: 3 minutes

two people looking at a tree

Three University of Hawaiʻi projects have received a total of more than $1.6 million in grants to support food and agricultural science for underrepresented students. The U.S. Department of Agriculture鈥檚 National Institute of Food and Agriculture in funding for Native Hawaiian-serving and Alaska Native-serving institutions. These are the 糖心Vlog官方 grants with their descriptions:

Hawaii-One-Ag: Developing New Pathways In Agricultural Education and Future Career Growth, $1 million

“The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have demonstrated that the State of Hawaiʻi must create a more sustainable agriculture industry to support local food production and a diverse agricultural economy. Hawaii-One-Ag is an eight-member consortium effort to create agricultural education options for students, and pathways for career opportunities and professional growth. Native Hawaiians (NH) are underrepresented in higher education due to access to articulated classes and programs, the perceived workforce demand, and the perceived benefits of an agricultural education. The 糖心Vlog官方 system is well-placed to serve NH and underserved students from across the state (rural to urban) and from a diversity of educational foundations (high school to doctorate), supporting all student situations with advising, mentorships and student resources. The Hawaii-One-Ag consortium will provide a diversity of educational offerings to meet the needs of our community, our colleges and our islands, from K–12 outreach, with special attention to high school students, to undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including specialized certificates of completion for skills training within the 糖心Vlog官方 system. Our programs are aimed at high school students, college students, agricultural workers who want to further develop their professional and technical skills, and job seekers displaced by COVID-19 pursuing employment opportunities in food and agriculture.”

GoFarm Hawaiʻi (GFH): Training New Farmers and Growing Agribusiness In Hawaiʻi, $450,000

person gardening

“This Integrated Extension and Education project aims to reduce Hawaiʻi鈥檚 dependence on imported food, increase food sustainability, develop the local workforce and support the state’s pandemic economic recovery through an affordable program for adult learners to pursue careers and business in food production. GoFarm Hawaiʻi (GFH) prepares students for careers in food, agriculture and natural resource systems through a certificate-based farmer training program, and supports existing farmers through education and business consulting. The project will enhance GFH‘s program and capacity to develop and support Native Hawaiian (NH) and underrepresented (UR) farmers, building on prior success and experience, and integrating industry and participant feedback. The project will elevate the quality of food, agriculture and natural resource education in Hawaiʻi with the latest science-based and business knowledge, using practical implementation and experiential learning so students can apply lessons in the field (production) and as a business (marketing product, business planning). Collaborations with extension experts and community partners will strengthen the quality and capacity of the project. The project supports multiple need areas including enhanced curricula, instructional offerings, faculty development, informal experiential learning, and targeted outreach and engagement to improve science-based agricultural educational literacy and equity for NH, UR and youth populations and train the next generation of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 farmers.”

糖心Vlog官方 West Oʻahu: Undergraduate Pathways Bridging Excellence In Agriculture and Tradition (UPBEAT), $207,687

two headshots
Albie Miles, left, and Daniel Lipe

“This project identified the need to take immediate steps to diversify Hawaiʻi鈥檚 economy, increase production of local foods, and build greater climate change resilience for enhanced food security; it also identified Indigenous knowledge and traditional food ways as key to transitioning the food system towards sustainability, community health and resilience. The , led by the faculty and staff of the 糖心Vlog官方 West Oʻahu Sustainable Community Foods Systems program, will educate and train a new generation of food, agriculture, natural resource and human science professionals to think across traditional disciplinary and cultural boundaries to engage and address the many contemporary challenges in the agri-food system of Hawaiʻi and beyond. The proposed UPBEAT project empowers students to understand and integrate Indigenous knowledge with natural and social science content to build a sustainable food system, and it emphasizes problem-based and experiential learning in order to develop food system professionals capable of solving real-world problems and transitioning Hawaiʻi鈥檚 food system toward greater ecological sustainability, social equity, human health and climate change resilience.”

The post $1.6M for agriculture education for Native Hawaiian, underrepresented students first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>
147869
$500K grant for farmer training, more value-added food production /news/2021/04/23/500k-grant-for-farmer-training/ Fri, 23 Apr 2021 18:00:40 +0000 /news/?p=139854 The grant will enable GoFarm Hawaiʻi to continue its partnership with 糖心Vlog官方 Maui College.

The post $500K grant for farmer training, more value-added food production first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>
Reading time: 2 minutes

go farm hawaii

The University of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 successful farmer-training program, , was awarded a 3-year, $500,000 grant from the (USDA-NIFA). The grant will enable GoFarm Hawaiʻi to continue its partnership with to offer its beginning-farmer training program through the Agriculture and Natural Resources program, and will add an intensive value-added food production training course so students can consider revenue diversification options.

糖心Vlog官方 Maui College has years of experience in food manufacturing education, and now they will be sharing that knowledge with aspiring farmers. The goal is to help the Valley Isle develop its workforce by providing production, business and leadership skills to those looking to enter the food and agricultural industry.

“We are excited to further collaborate with 糖心Vlog官方 Maui College,” said GoFarm Hawaiʻi Director Janel Yamamoto, who was instrumental in landing one of only 19 Agricultural Workforce Training grants awarded across the country.

“Value-added products can increase the economic value of agricultural commodities and help farmers attain higher revenues and margins,” added Yamamoto. “We are looking forward to recruiting for our next cohort in May and adding food manufacturing to the curriculum!”

Agricultural Workforce Training grants are part of NIFA鈥檚 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative and are designed to provide community, technical or junior college students with the skills and tools necessary to secure industry-accepted credentials in order to join the workforce.

This work is supported by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative-Agricultural Workforce Training Priority Area, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

More on GoFarm Hawaiʻi

GoFarm Hawaiʻi, a collaborative effort involving 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 (CTAHR), and 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 Agribusiness Incubator Program, provides a comprehensive and practical production and business training program, and connects aspiring farmers with CTAHR experts, existing farmers and the local agriculture community. There are six training sites statewide that support farmers and individuals who want to establish businesses in the agricultural industry.

GoFarm Hawaiʻi has been addressing the issue of food security long before the COVID-19 health crisis. Since 2012, it has trained more than 370 aspiring farmers, helping to reduce Hawaiʻi鈥檚 dependence on imported food and increase food sustainability.

This effort is an example of 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 goal of (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

The post $500K grant for farmer training, more value-added food production first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>
139854
$2M gift to develop local farmers, food supply /news/2021/01/31/2m-gift-develop-local-farmers/ Sun, 31 Jan 2021 18:00:32 +0000 /news/?p=134649 The gift supports GoFarm Hawaiʻi, one of the largest and most successful beginning farmer development programs in the nation.

The post $2M gift to develop local farmers, food supply first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>
Reading time: 3 minutes

(AAC) has pledged $2 million to support , one of the largest and most successful beginning farmer development programs in the nation. The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 (CTAHR) program provides business technical assistance, educational opportunities and access to a suite of resources designed to remove barriers to farming and agribusinesses. It also operates five beginning farmer training sites across four islands and an agricultural technician training program at the Waiawa Correctional Facility.

“Food sustainability and economic diversification are key post-pandemic priorities for our state,” 糖心Vlog官方 President David Lassner said. “Many of the GoFarm Hawaiʻi program鈥檚 alumni have started independent businesses or secured jobs in the agricultural industry. This strategic philanthropic investment from AAC provides a major boost to our state鈥檚 next generation of farmers and our agricultural community statewide.”

The has a goal of doubling local food production by 2030.

Hawaiʻi imports about 85–90% of its food, making it particularly vulnerable to disruptions in food supply,” said CTAHR Dean Nicholas Comerford. “Our GoFarm Hawaiʻi program addresses this by providing farmers with the tools they need to be successful, and expanding our local food supply—a necessity for our entire community.”

National donors

person holding a plant and smiling

The donation represents the combined contributions of AAC and CoBank, both members of the nationwide Farm Credit System.

“We are thrilled to be able to support the great work GoFarm Hawaiʻi has been doing for nearly 20 years,” AAC President and CEO Curt Hudnutt said. “American AgCredit鈥檚 mission, to support all segments of agriculture, is so closely aligned to that of GoFarm Hawaiʻi and this commitment is just a perfect fit for us.”

“Everyone in American agriculture understands the need to grow and develop the next generation of farmers and ranchers,” added Bill Davis, executive vice president of CoBank鈥檚 Farm Credit Banking Group. “It is absolutely critical for the industry and for the country as a whole. But for those who don鈥檛 come from a farming background, it can be difficult to get started. GoFarm Hawaiʻi has a proven and successful model for engaging beginning farmers and, together with our partners at AAC, we are delighted to be a part of their continued success.”

Diverse local support

two people holding up their harvest and smiling

GoFarm Hawaiʻi Director Janel Yamamoto added, “We are extremely grateful for American AgCredit and CoBank鈥檚 support of our practical training program built around the real-world needs of tomorrow鈥檚 farmers. With their support, and the support of other key partners, we can help experienced farmers looking to expand and needing assistance to develop a business plan or proposal, as well as people new to agriculture, wanting to learn the basics of farming.”

The GoFarm Hawaiʻi program is financially supported by competitive grants and private donations. Kamehameha Schools, the Ulupono Initiative, USDA NIFA and the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture have been strong supporters of the program since its inception.

Many additional organizations provide access to financial support, land, facilities, contribute labor/time, resources and expertise to support program participants. Program supporters and collaborators include: Kauaʻi Community College; 糖心Vlog官方 Maui College; Corteva Agriscience; CTAHR Cooperative Extension, Hi!Ag Consortium; 糖心Vlog官方 Sea Grant; The Kohala Center; Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Hawaiʻi Department of Public Safety; City and County of Honolulu; County of Hawaiʻi; Kauaʻi County Office of Economic Development; Farm Service Agency; Natural Resource Conservation Service; Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority; Oʻahu Resource Conservation & Development Council; North Shore Economic Vitality Partnership; Farm Link Hawaiʻi; Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawaiʻi; Hoʻola Veteran Services; Sustainable Molokaʻi; and the Hawaiʻi Agritourism Association.

This effort is an example of 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 goal of (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

The post $2M gift to develop local farmers, food supply first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>
134649