Opportunities…..Agricultural Resources Bulletin
Opportunities
Kalo to kula recipe contest
Mālama Kauaʻi is hosting a “kalo to kula recipe contest” looking for healthy, keiki-friendly kalo recipes for breakfast or lunch dishes that feature at least one of four products: poi, lūʻau, kalo flour, and/or kalo paʻa. Recipes can be submitted through December 31 and two winners will be selected. Visit their website for more information.
Expanding Agroforestry Project grant
The Nature Conservancy, in partnership with the Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative (HUC), has launched the Expanding Agroforestry Project to catalyze expansion of agroforestry practices in commercial agriculture operations to help save farmers money and increase their income while benefiting the environment and mitigating climate change through tree planting. Applications for the first round of the Expanding Agroforestry Project are due by December 31. The second cycle will begin in March 2024. Complete the application here.
Kamehameha Schools’ Spring Marketing Kāpili ʻOihana internship program
HUC will host a spring 2024 marketing internship via Kamehameha Schools’ Kāpili ʻOihana Program. This 60-hour remote internship will empower Native Hawaiian students through immersive experiences such as marketing Hawaiʻi-grown crops and contributing to sustainable agriculture. To apply, create an IMUA Xchange (IX) profile at https://ksbe-csm.symplicity.com/students and submit your resume and cover letter to kenta@eatbreadfruit.com before January 5, 2024.
USDA Farm to School Grant Program request for applications
The USDA Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program is designed to help implement farm to school programming to increase access to local food in eligible schools, connect children with agriculture for improved health, and inspire youth to consider careers in agriculture. For more information and to apply, visit the program’s website. Applications are due by January 12, 2024.
Indigenous Economic Development Community of Practice
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has initiated a new Indigenous EDA Communities of Practice (CoP) knowledge-sharing and capacity-building forum dedicated to Native and Tribal communities. The first virtual CoP event is scheduled for January 17, 2024, and will include an introduction to the CoP as well as highlights from several innovative projects from Native and Tribal communities. Complete the interest form to receive updates on these events.
University of Hawaiʻi AgConnect Project
The University of Hawaiʻi AgConnect Project was designed to match interns/apprentices with agricultural producers to help them grow their existing businesses or perhaps even take it over one day. This is a Hawai‘i Community College 16-week (maximum) non-credit course that can be completed in as little as 8 weeks. Apply to be an intern/apprentice or a host.
Kapapahuliau Climate Resilience Program
The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced the Kapapahuliau Climate Resilience Program to enhance the ability of Native Hawaiian communities to navigate the effects of climate change in ways that maintain the integrity and identity of the Native Hawaiian people while also maintaining and enhancing their capacity for coping, adaptation, and transformation. All Native Hawaiian organizations are eligible to apply by February 29, 2024.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs introduces new Mahi ʻAi Agricultural Loan Program
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund is introducing a new program to support Native Hawaiian farmers on Hawaiʻi Island and across Hawaiʻi. In addition to low interest rates, new borrowers have the option of deferring their loan payments for the first six months without incurring additional interest. For more information on the Mahi ʻAi Agricultural Loan Program, visit their website, email NHRLF@ohaloanfund.org, or call the OHA office in East Hawaiʻi (Hilo) at (808) 933-3106 or West Hawaiʻi (Kona) at (808) 327-9525.
Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United membership
Calling all farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and local food supporters: support the HFUU by becoming a member. The mission of HFUU is to collectively create food security, food sovereignty, and rebuild ʻāina for a better future. Visit their website to learn how to become a member.
USDA funding opportunities
To discover and follow USDA Rural Development funding opportunities, resources, events, and learning exchanges, visit their website and subscribe to their mailing list.
