Kohala Center Information
Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Co-op is hiring several positions
The Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Co-op is currently hiring three positions: an agricultural processor and a production supervisor, based in Kailua-Kona, and an agricultural processor on Maui. Visit the co-op’s website for more information.
New GoFarm courses across Hawaiʻi
GoFarm Hawaiʻi will be offering courses on Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island focused on farm production and business skills, food distribution, orchard design, pruning, and harvesting skills. Applications are due by October 2. For more details, visit GoFarm’s website.
Honey Bee Grant
The Whole Kids Foundation (WKF) 2024 Bee grant is open for US K–12 schools or nonprofit organizations. The grant provides a choice of funding or equipment intended to support schools in bringing live bees to their campuses or growing their already existing educational hive programs. Visit the WKF website for more information and to apply.
USDA seeking nominations for Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
The Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers (ACBAR) is accepting nominations for new committee members. Nomination packages must be submitted by October 10. For more information, visit the USDA’s ACBAR website. Send any inquiries to acbfr@usda.gov.
USDA Conservation Innovation Grant announcement
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced $50 million toward Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) to stimulate the adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches in partnership with agricultural producers. For 2023, applications will be accepted from eligible entities for projects addressing at least one of the following priorities: irrigation management technologies, feed management and enteric methane reduction, grazing lands, nutrient management, and soil health demonstration (SHD) trials 3–5 years in duration. Application deadline is October 30 by 11:59 p.m. EDT. Visit the government grants website for more information and to apply.
Hawaiʻi Youth Sustainability Challenge for high school students
Students in grades 9–12 across Hawaiʻi are invited to participate in Kupu’s Hawai‘i Youth Sustainability Challenge (HYSC) by identifying a conservation or sustainability problem in their school or community and proposing a solution. Selected students will receive up to $1,000 of funding, guidance, and training to support their innovative and grassroots environmental initiatives. For more information and to apply, visit the HYSC website. Application deadline is September 29.
Farm Apprentice Mentoring Program accepting applicants in Maui County
The HFUU has opened applications for Cohort 9 of the Farm Apprentice Mentoring (FAM) Program for Maui County. Applicants will be selected based on their commitment to regenerative agriculture in Maui County. Upon completion of the program, FAM graduates will receive a certification of professional development from the University of Hawai‘i Maui College’s Office of Continuing Education and Training and a stipend to jump-start their farming endeavors. To apply, visit HFUU’s website. Application deadline is November 1.
USDA to offer grants to local and regional food partnerships
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding the Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) program to include public-private partnerships. The USDA and Reinvestment Fund will invite applications for the Local and Regional HFFI Partnerships Program from August 1 to November 3, and will offer $30 million in grants. HFFI works to improve access to healthy foods in underserved areas, create and preserve quality jobs, and revitalize low-income communities. Eligible applicants include new or existing regional, state, or local public-private partnerships working to improve access to fresh, healthy food in underserved communities through technical and financial assistance to food retailers and enterprises. Visit their website to register for the webinar, apply online, or for more updates and information.
UH AgConnect program internships and apprenticeships
The University of Hawaiʻi (UH) AgConnect program matches Hawaiʻi ag producers with skilled ag technicians to grow their existing businesses. This 16-week program is a Hawaiʻi Community College non-credit course where interns are matched with hosts to work side by side, complete a two-year business plan together, and have conversations about their goals and visions for agriculture in Hawaiʻi. For more information and to apply, visit their website.
Hawaiʻi Cattlemenʻs Council 2023 convention and annual meeting
October 6–7
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, 69-275 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikōloa, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
Join the Hawaiʻi Cattlemenʻs Council (HCC) for the largest gathering of cattle producers and livestock industry stakeholders in Hawaiʻi with over 200 attendees. The convention will feature a full day of educational opportunities at the “Cattlemen’s College,” a banquet, live auction, and HCC’s annual meeting. Ranch managers, ranch hands, and industry supporters are welcome to attend. For more information contact Nicole Galase.
»Register online
