Your membership with the Hāmākua Ag Co-op will allow you to become part of a cooperative community of farmers and ranchers working together to yield high quality Hāmākua agricultural products. Our co-op members manage a variety of businesses and projects including orchards, vegetable farms, aquaponics, nurseries, and ranches.
The Hawai‘i Island New Farmer and Rancher Expo brings together emerging producers with non-profit, private, and government resource organizations, as well as area buyers and experienced farmers. The goal of the Expo is to provide participants with an understanding of all aspects involved in establishing a viable commercial farm business on Hawai‘i Island. Information will include a step-by-step overview on how to get started, how to select and produce crops or livestock, and how to develop a marketing plan.
FRIDAY (12:30 to 8:30 p.m.): Speakers will present on various topics including land, financing, crop selection, labor issues, new farmer training programs, food safety, pest control, non-traditional farming methods and many others. Also offered will be panel discussions and Q&A with experienced farmers and local buyers and information booths hosted by various local resources. Snacks and coffee service will be available throughout the day, with a catered networking dinner held at 6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY (times vary): Farm tours will include on-site observation and discussion with local operations including aquaculture, Korean farming method, ranching, tree crops, ground crops, sustainable community garden, and piggery.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED and is open until August 1. Registration fee for Friday and Saturday – $50; Friday only – $35.
FOR INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER:
Visit farmerexpo18.eventbrite.com or contact The Kohala Center at 808-887-6411.
New General Manager Wanted!
The Co-op is looking for a new manager. This is a part-time position requiring administrative, business, and time management skills. Successful candidates will have a background in ag policy, business planning, and accounting. Knowledge of Quickbooks, Microsoft Office Suite, and office administration is required. Position requires that the candidate have their own reliable transportation. Applicant must be capable of working independently and feel comfortable operating between farmers and governmental agencies, local market outlets, and other partners. Some event planning is also required. This is a part-time position with 20-25 hours a week in Paauhau/Honoka’a. Must live locally – preferably in Hamakua district. Interested parties, please send your resume and cover letter to: farmers@hnhac.com with the title: Manager position. Training for the position will begin in July. 
Join the Hawai’i Farmers Union United for a free presentation on food safety regulation in Waimea this coming Wednesday! Free dinner will be provided.
Farmers, would you like to talk to distributors directly and showcase your produce? The Kohala Center is seeking farmers to provide fresh fruits and vegetables for our keiki by connecting with distributors and charter schools at the upcoming Farm to School Mixer.
The Kohala Center is working on improving and expanding the local farm to school supply chain on Hawaiʻi Island in order to increase access to fresh food in our schools and expand economic opportunity for local farmers. Together with the Arts & Sciences Center, The Kohala Center is hosting a Farm to School Mixer to connect Hawai‘i Island farmers and food producers to charter schools and distributors.
The event will be at the Hawai‘i Academy of Arts and Science in Pāhoa on Tuesday, June 30 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Interested farmers can register online at www.koha.la/f2smixer or call The Kohala Center at 808-887-6411.
The event is free but space is limited so register by June 25th to reserve your spot.
Farmers are invited to bring samples of their produce and contact information for their business. Tables and signage will be provided.
Flyer:
Co-op farmer Max Bowman of ‘Ano‘ano Farms was featured on the front page of Friday’s West Hawaii Today. Bowman hosted high school students for a day at his organic farm in Pa‘auilo as part of a new agricultural internship program for teens, sponsored by The Kohala Center and Kamehameha Schools’ Aina Ulu Program.
Young farmer inspires teens through ag internshipAs a boy, Max Bowman didn’t have a burning desire to become a farmer.
