Hawaii Seed Growers Network
The Hawai’i Seed Growers Network is a statewide group of artisanal farmers that have worked together for the past 5 years to grow, develop, and bring high quality, locally grown and adapted seed to Hawaii’s gardeners and market farmers. All seeds are non-GMO, open-pollinated and grown in earth-friendly, agroecological, low-input, sustainable farming and gardening systems.
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)
Organic Certification Cost Share Program
Hawaiʻi Counties Service Center Locator
USDA Service Centers are designed to be a single location where customers can access the services provided by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Rural Development agencies. Click your island to find the address of a USDA Service Center and other Agency offices serving your area along with information on how to contact them.
Producers and handlers may submit cost-share reimbursement applications to FSA county offices. To apply through FSA, you can find an FSA county office near you with the Service Center Locator. The FSA OCCSP application form is available at USDA’s eForms site, by selecting “Browse forms” and entering “OCCSP” in the “title or keywords” field on the search page.
Hawaii Agribusiness Guidebook
Farmer’s guide to business put together by CTAHR and Oahu RC&D. The Guidebook is not meant to be an encyclopedia on agribusiness, rather a summary of important points and tips for farmers relating to the business (versus production) aspects of running an agribusiness. You might find that you need more information about a particular subject than is presented in this Guidebook – throughout each section we have listed additional references you can turn to. In using this Guidebook, you won’t find all the solutions to the myriad of pitfalls that might arise in agribusiness, but you’ll know what questions to ask and where to obtain additional information.
Hawaii Agribusiness Guidebook
Oahu Resource Conservation and Development Council
Various publications have been produced by Oahu RC&D and its partners:
New Farmer Guidebook
Agritourism Guidebook
Cover Crop Guidelines
Land Preservation Tools
Vetiver Resources
ATTRA Publication on Community Orchards
Community orchards are becoming more popular around the country as the community garden and local-food movements grow. ATTRA’s Community Orchards publication offers guidance both for determining what to grow and how to go about beginning a community orchard. It also has profiles of successful orchards and discusses resources for orchard organizers and growers.
The publication can be downloaded for free and is available to order as a paper publication for a small handling fee. It’s available along with ATTRA’s other publications, Ask an Ag Expert hotline, webinars, videos, and other services at www.attra.ncat.org
Hawaii Farmers Union United is the newest subdivision of the National Farmers Union, established 1902. There are chapters on O’ahu, Kaua’i, Big Island, and Maui.
HAWAII FARMERS UNION MISSION STATEMENT
Hawaii Farmers Union advances the rights of farmers to create vibrant and prosperous agricultural communities for the benefit of all through cooperation, legislation and education.
HAWAII FARMERS UNION VISION STATEMENT Hawai‘i Farmers Union serves as a resource and catalyst for the organization and empowerment of farmers. We advocate for the rights of people to earn a prosperous living through the restorative stewardship of our lands, waters, and communities. Hawai‘i Farmers Union values the spirit of cooperation, education, and the development of cooperatives. We affirm food sovereignty and promote the creation of healthy, vibrant communities that feed everyone through respect for the ‘aina (that which feeds) and the pono (proper) use of our natural resources. Hawai’i Farmers Union honors the past and supports indigenous rights and cultural traditions in agriculture. We nurture and inspire our youth to expand and grow the vision of this organization. Hawai‘i Farmers Union provides a model of prosperity and abundance while recognizing our innate connection to all things.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) was reauthorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill) to provide a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals. EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land.
In addition, the 2008 Farm Bill included provisions for use of EQIP to provide opportunities for organic growers as well as requirements related to adherence to National Organic Program (NOP) requirements and new program payment limitations.
Organic Technical and Support Information
NRCS National Bulletin with Guidance for Implementation of the Organic Initiative during Fiscal Year 2009 (NB300-9-20 issued May 18, 2009)
NRCS Organic Technical Support
Links to Organic Agriculture Web Resources
NRCS Technical Service Provider Information
Organic Farming Program Information
Organic Farming “At a Glance” Fact Sheet (PDF, 52KB)
Hawaii State Department of Agriculture
Growing Hawaii’s Future
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture works to support, enhance and promote Hawaii’s agriculture and aquaculture industries. Hawai’i’s transition from mono-crop plantations, such as pineapple and sugarcane, to diversified agriculture, including nursery products, seed crops and other vegetable and fruit crops, is important to the state’s economy, environment and lifestyle. Agriculture not only feeds our state, but it also keeps our unique working landscape green – a feature appreciated by residents, as well as the millions of visitors to our islands. Hawaii’s agricultural products are valued around the world for superior quality and the sharing of the Aloha spirit. Hawaii is also a recognized world leader in aquaculture, producing the finest seafood products for Hawaii consumers and export markets. In addition, HDOA protects our agricultural interests with inspection for invasive species of incoming plant material and animals, safeguarding animal and plant health, supporting farmers with affordable land and water, providing financial assistance to farmers and assuring quality of produce.
Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) information on USDA FSA Organic Certification Cost-Share Programs
National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) – Hawaii
USDAs NASS Hawaii Field Office Homepage
- NASS offers data on:
- Agricultural Overview of Hawai’i
- Census of Ag for Hawaii
- Publications and News Releases
- Annual Statistical Bulletin
- Crop Progress & Condition
- Farm Facts
- Flowers & Nursery Products
- Fruits and Nuts
- Livestock, Poultry and Dairy
- Sugarcane and Specialty Crops
- Vegetables
Search for Hawaii Data and Statistics
Contact the Hawaii Field Office
Subscribe to HI reports
Make sure I’m counted
Learn About the Hawaii Field Office
USDA’s NASS Hawaii Field Office is operated in cooperation with the Hawaii State Department of Agriculture.
Hawai’i State Food Banks
Hawai’i (Big Island)
The Food Basket – Hawai’i Island’s Food Bank
www.foodbaskethi.org
Hilo Warehouse & Administrative Office
140-B Holumua St
Hilo HI 96720
808-933-6030
Kona Warehouse
79-1016A East Honalo Rd
Kailua-Kona HI 96740
808-322-1418
Kaua’i
Kaua’i Independent Food Bank
www.kauaifoodbank.org
3285 Waapa Rd
Lihue HI 96766
808-246-3809
Maui Nui (Maui / Moloka’i / Lana’i)
Maui Food Bank
www.mauifoodbank.org
760 Kolu St
Wailuku HI 96793-1438
808-243-9500
O’ahu
The Hawaii Foodbank
www.hawaiifoodbank.org
2611 Kilihau St
Honolulu HI 96819-2021
808-836-3600
The Kona Coffee Farmers Association is the voice of the Kona Coffee Farmer.
It carries the Farmers issues to the Hawaii State Legislature and supports the Farmers in their Kona Coffee farming activities.
The mission is to promote and protect Kona coffee farmers’ economic interests in 100% Kona coffee, to protect the Kona coffee heritage, and to seek greater legal protection of the Kona coffee name.
Visit KCFA to learn about Kona Coffee’s unique ecological and agronomical profile, find out about upcoming events, and browse their membership list and buy direct from the source!
Numerous members of the KCFA are certified organic or grow sustainably and they all pride themselves on fair trade policies.
Hawai’i Agritourism Association
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture and Tourism in Hawai’i
Today’s visitors to Hawaii and other traditional tourist destinations are increasingly interested in learning more about the region they are visiting — its local traditions, its regional cuisine, and its rural culture and agriculture. The developing industry that serves these visitors is now called “Agtourism.” Hawaii Agtourism offers visitors opportunities to look behind the scenes, to experience more than just a sunny beach and the purchase of an Aloha shirt. With its natural beauty, warm weather, and renowned agricultural products (coffee, macadamia nuts, flowers, and tropical fruits of many kinds), Hawaii’s small farms and rural communities offer an extraordinary array of memorable experiences, such as:
• Farm visits • Pick-your-own • Farm stays • Bicycle, walking and automobile tours • Farm-related bed and breakfast accommodations • Restaurants serving regional cuisine • Agricultural fairs and festivals • Living history farms • Slow Food Hawaii
Hawai’i Invasive Species Committees
Invasive Species Committees of Hawaii (ISCs)
The Invasive Species Committees of Hawaii (ISCs) are island-based partnerships of government agencies, non-government organizations, and private businesses working to protect each island from the most threatening invasive pests. Each ISC partnership also has a paid staff and field crew to implement rapid response and control plans. The ISCs formed on each island to address the need for rapid response and control work on new invasive pests that have the potential to severely impact the economy, ecosystem, watersheds, human health, and quality of life. A driving objective of the ISCs is to control the most threatening pests while populations are still relatively small and it is economically feasible to control or eliminate them. The Invasive Species Committees of Hawaii include:
Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)
Kauai Invasive Species Committee (KISC)
Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC)
Molokai Invasive Species Committee (MoISC)
Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC)
The Hawai’i Community Stewardship Directory updated in 2018 is available for online viewing and/or download.
The Community Stewardship Directory is an ongoing effort of the Hawai‘i Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Program to help community groups and organizations connect with each other to share their experiences and lessons learned in natural and cultural resources management. The Directory is one element to implement the Hawai‘i Ocean Resources Management Plan (ORMP). The ORMP, revised in 2006 and available through the CZM Program website, promotes place‐, culture‐, and community‐based approaches to natural and cultural resource management and charts a new course of action that advocates for the community and all levels of government to work together collaboratively. The Directory will be updated periodically.
The directory continues to expand and include ever more organizations that are working so hard to conserve, protect, and manage Hawai’i’s precious natural and cultural resources.
Hawaii Food Manufacturers Association
http://www.foodsofhawaii.com/
Why foods made in Hawaii?
Diversity : World famous macadamia nuts, Kona coffee and golden pineapples are well known Hawaii products. But these are only the beginning of the creative products that reflect our island life. Other HFMA products include tropical fruits and vegetables, seasonings, cooking oil, meats, seafood, condiments, frozen dishes, snacks, beverages, and the list goes on.
Integrity : To qualify for membership in the HFMA, a member must be producing one or more products within the State of Hawaii. This means that HFMA members manufacture and distribute authentic products that represent genuine tastes and flavors of Hawaii.
Quality : Superb ingredients add a distinctive measure of quality to our products. Rich volcanic soil, pristine coastal waters, and year-round tropical climate are ideal conditions for grass fed livestock, fresh seafood and produce.
Uniqueness : The foods of Hawaii reflect rich traditions and diverse cultures that make up contemporary Hawaii. Polynesian, Asian, European plus North and South American influences can all be found in our island cuisine.
Hawaii State Department of Health – Permits
Organic Handlers and Processors: please visit the Hawaii State DOH Food and Drug Branch’s web page to access downloadable application forms for Food Establishment Sanitation Permits in your island/district.
For the text of the Hawaii state law that applies, visit the
HAWAII ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
TITLE 11 – DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
CHAPTER 12 – FOOD ESTABLISHMENT SANITATION
§11-12-5 Permits
Big Island Beekeepers Association (BIBA)
BIBA MISSION To assist fellow beekeepers; to educate beekeepers and the public in matters related to honey bees and beekeeping; to cooperate in marketing honey bee products; to provide community service related to bee issues; to promote beekeeping by creating a positive image of honey bees, beekeeping and bee products.
Hawai’i County R&D Green Economy Report
The Island of Hawai‘i Green Economy Report, by the County of Hawai’i Department of Research and Development, confirms investment in a green economy is essential to end fossil fuel dependence. A significant amount of the Federal stimulus fund is going towards development of a clean energy and green technology. Approximately $388 million are marked for energy related projects state-wide. The Hawaii State Government received over $142 million on ‘green’ related programs, including $6 million to develop a green job training program and $3.25 million to develop a smart grid training program.
On Hawaii Island, about $47 million have been awarded to preserve or create additional jobs in green sectors such as: restoration of watersheds and national park facilities, energy efficiency retrofits of federal buildings, solar energy installations, residential energy evaluations, and mass transit improvements. A description of specific projects and funding amounts are highlighted in the report.
The author of the report, Alex Frost, Economic Development Specialist for the department, emphasizes “green business practices are moving rapidly from the periphery to the mainstream. The report provides a snapshot of what’s happening locally for citizens, policy makers and practitioners interested in greening the island economy.”
Hawaiʻi SEED is a statewide non-profit coalition of grassroots groups composed of farmers, doctors, scientists, lawyers, concerned citizens, and Native Hawaiians. Hawai`i SEED works on five islands to educate the public about the risks posed by genetically engineered organisms, and are dedicated to promoting diverse, local, healthy and ecological food and farming that supports real food security for the Hawaiian Islands.
Big Island: Hawai’i Homegrown Food Network Building local, sustainable food communities on the Island of Hawai’i
Features information on:
– becoming food self-reliant
– events, resources, happenings, locally grown food
– buying, selling, sharing, and learning
Sign up for their:
– monthly newsletter
Online community, blog, and events listings.
