Who is HOFA?
HOFA members are people like you who care about the food they eat and its impact on the environment. Our membership is made up of local organic farmers, distributors, retailers, students, and consumers wishing to support and promote organic agriculture in Hawaii.
You do not need to be certified organic to be a member. Members receive notices of events, workshops, conferences and seminars.
What is HOFA?
Hawaii Organic Farming Association (HOFA) is a non-profit membership organization that supports organic and sustainable agriculture through advocacy, education, and assistance.
When was HOFA founded?
The Hawaii Organic Farmers Association (HOFA) was formed in September 1993 in response to the federally mandated Organic Food Production Act (OFPA) of 1990. The purpose of OFPA is to set consistent organic production standards nationwide, and to boost consumer confidence in food claimed to be “organically grown.” Any produce claiming to be “organic” in the USA must be certified as such by a USDA-NOP accredited certification agency.
Why did HOFA change its name?
Our aim is to build a broad-based membership organization that effectively represents the industry to the legislature and to the public. The slight change in HOFA’s name from “Farmers” to “Farming” was done to make it clearer that HOFA serves the whole organic industry.
At the same time, we recognize farmers are the backbone of the organic industry and the genesis of HOFA. The name change is intended to reflect the broad scope of the people and stakeholders we serve. Our intent is to respect and build upon the strong foundation laid by HOFA’s founders, and the hard work of the organic farmers, without whom none of this would be possible.
What Services Does HOFA Provide?
Information & Education: HOFA offers many publications and resources to assist producers and consumers with tropical organic agriculture. HOFA conducts workshops, conferences and participates in trade shows. Our online Organic Marketplace offers real-time information on organic products and services available in Hawaii. This tool was developed from the Hawaii Organic Products Directory first published in hard copy by HOFA in 2007. Read the Honolulu Advertisers article on the Hawaii Organic Marketplace, 1st edition (Dec. 27, 2007)
Small Farm Exemption: For farmers using practices in alignment with the National Organic Program, and whose gross income is less than $5,000, we have a Small Farm Exemption Affadavit Form. It is included in the $50 membership, along with a posting on the Hawaii Organic Marketplace.
Research: HOFA collaborates with farmers and researchers on projects pertaining to organic and sustainable tropical agriculture.
Why is Organic Agriculture Important?
Organic agriculture provides healthy food for people who care. Over the last decades, the use of persistent chemicals in our food systems has resulted in increased contamination of our soil, water, and air. Organic agriculture is one of the fastest growing sectors worldwide, due to a growing concern for the health of consumers, farmers, and the environment. Organic agriculture respects the balance of a healthy ecosystem by encouraging wildlife, creating plant and animal diversity, building healthy soils, and through the protection and conservation of water resources. Organic farming is an important foundation for the health and future of all resources on our planet, while developing economic viability and quality of life for our rural communities.
