Kohala Center current Employment/Opportunities/Events

Employment

The Kohala Center is hiring
The Kohala Center is currently accepting applications for the following position on Hawai‘i Island: native forest nursery supervisor (Moku o Kohala). For a full description of each of these positions including responsibilities, qualifications, and salary ranges, and to apply, please visit the link or our online career center.

The Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems is hiring a Hawaiʻi indigenous food systems research specialist 
The Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems is accepting applications for a Hawaiʻi indigenous food systems research specialist. The position will build and strengthen partnerships with Native Hawaiian food system organizations and stakeholders, conduct outreach to indigenous communities, and support food systems-related research priorities. More information about the position can be found on their website, or by contacting Carly Wyman at carly.wyman@asu.edu.

Hawaiʻi Island Pacific Agriculture (HIP Ag) is hiring three positions
HIP Ag is currently seeking passionate and skilled individuals for three opportunities: a nursery technician, a farm producer technician, and a farm-to-school garden coordinator. HIP Ag is dedicated to practicing and teaching regenerative agriculture through farm-to-school education, farmer training, and ecosystem restoration. For more information visit www.hipagriculture.org/join-our-team. Contact Kenika Lorenzo-Elarco via email at institute@hipagriculture.org for more information.

Piko Provisions is hiring an operation specialist
Piko Provisions is hiring an operations specialist. Visit their website to learn about the job posting and to apply.

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Opportunities

New GoFarm AgOrchard course opportunity on Hawaiʻi Island
GoFarm in Hilo is offering a new AgOrchard training course for interested farmers to gain hands-on experience with orchard design, irrigation, pruning, and harvesting. Participants will also learn orchard business and financial tools and connect to farming resources. Applications are due by October 14. The course begins November 14.  More information is available at https://gofarmhawaii.org/agcurious-faqs/ or via email at info@gofarmhawaii.org.
»Apply

USDA invites comments to expand access to funding for farmers and rural entrepreneurs
The USDA Rural Development is accepting public comments on changes that will make it easier for farmers, rural entrepreneurs and other organizations to apply for funding under three key business programs. The agency is simplifying and streamlining processes for the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG), Agriculture Innovation Center (AIC) and Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) programs. The changes will reduce applicant burden in documenting application and eligibility requirements, modernize scoring criteria, and standardize application periods for all the programs. To learn more, read the full stakeholder announcement.

Waikoloa Community Market (WCM) seeks farmers and producers
The WCM is looking for produce vendors and seeking to support small farmers. WCM takes place on the first Saturday of each month at the Waikōloa Plaza in Waikōloa Village, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. This is an opportunity for new farmers to explore selling at markets and for established farmers looking to add another market to their roster. Contact Ann Wurden, market manager, at waikoloacm@gmail.com for more information.

State of Hawaiʻi Department of Education (DOE) procurement grant open
The DOE is seeking proposals from qualified intermediary organizations to implement the USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) cooperative agreement program. The primary goal of this initiative is to support local, regional, and underserved communities across the state by sourcing fresh produce from local farmers, ranchers, and food businesses. This program aims to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s local food systems, enhance food security, and provide nutritious food options to communities with limited access. The LFPA grant also promotes economic opportunities for local producers by establishing sustainable market channels that benefit both suppliers and the communities they serve. Contact Albert Perry for further information.

East Hawaiʻi master gardener community helpline
Have a garden question? The new East Hawaiʻi master gardener community helpline is now available to answer questions on planting, insect identification, plant identification, integrated pest management, organic pest control, plant recommendations, and more. To contact the helpline, call (808) 969-8203 or email HIMGA@Hawaii.edu. There will also be walk-in support every Friday from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. at 875 Komohana Street, D103, Hilo. Stay informed about future events by filling out their contact form or visiting their website.

Kupu ʻĀina Corps 2024-2025 applications being accepted
Kupu ʻĀina Corps (KAC) is inviting participants (ages 17-38) and host site applications for the 2024-2025 Program Year from across the Hawaiian Islands. KAC is a workforce development initiative established through the State of Hawaiʻi’s legislation for a Green Jobs Youth Corps. The year-long program employs individuals seeking experience in Hawaiʻi’s agricultural, environmental, and green energy sectors. Part-time and full-time position options are available. See their website for more information and to apply.

New commercial kitchen for rent at Kohala Food Hub
Kohala Food Hub is providing affordable commercial kitchen space for rent to North and South Kohala farmers, value-added producers, private chefs, and community members to support sustainable economic development and grow Kohala’s regional food system. The commercial kitchen features restaurant-grade commercial cooking equipment. Kohala Food Hub’s staff also offers technical assistance to support those looking to start or grow a culinary or agricultural business. Visit their website to learn more and inquire.

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Events

Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United (HFUU) 2024 Annual Convention
October 4–6
University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, 310 W Kaʻahumanu Ave, Kahului, Maui (map)
The HFUU 2024 Annual convention will be held October 4–6 at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College. In partnership with Hawaiʻi Tropical Fruit Growers and the Maui Food Innovation Center, the convention weekend will be filled with knowledge exchange, connection, and celebration. Visit their website for more information, vending, sponsorship, and volunteer opportunities, and to register for camping if attending from off island. Contact Ashley Hogue, HFUU convention committee chair, with any questions: outreach@hfuu.org.

Hāmākua Sugar Days: Hāmākua Fair with agriculture & sustainability expo
Saturday, October 12 • 10 a.m.
Māmāne St, Honokaʻa, Hawaiʻi Island
The Hāmākua Sugar Days Festival will be held in Honokaʻa from October 5–20 and is a commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Final Harvest of Hāmākua Sugar. On October 12 there will be a throwback to the family-friendly Hāmākua Fair that took place during the plantation era including historical exhibits, “sugar themed” demonstrations and contests, a sustainable agricultural expo, a “plantation village,” a concert on multiple stages, food vendors and keiki activities. See the Hāmākua Sugar Days Festival for more information.

Agroecology and agroforestry webinar
Monday, October 14 • 4–7 p.m. 
The public is invited to attend “An Evening of Agroecology and Agroforestry”, a free Zoom seminar and conversation with Miguel A. Altieri, PhD, and David Sansone on Indigenous People’s Day, Monday, October 14, 4–7 p.m. Learn how agroecology and agroforestry work with nature to beat the weeds, increase production, resist climate change, protect the water and revitalize the soil. For more information,visit https://hawaiiediblelandscaping.com/
»Register

Calabash Network (CN) “How we did it!” webinar series
Tuesday, October 15 • 12 p.m.
Tuesday, October 29 • 12 p.m.
Tuesday, November 12 • 1 p.m. 
CN has launched its first “How We Did It” webinar series, designed to provide information about major grant opportunities the Network has sought with farmers and food producers and highlight successes and challenges in the grant writing process. This series is intended for those who are curious about technical assistance services, grant writing best practices, and what benefits USDA grant programs offer.

• October 15: Farmers Market Promotion Program. Learn how CN helped secure support to expand a Community-Supported Agriculture program in Alabama with Fountain Heights Farms.

• October 29: MDA Healthy Soils Competitive Fund. Learn how CN helped eight Maryland farmers secure funds to help regenerate soil.

• November 12: Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grant. Learn from CN’s experience applying to a highly competitive program for urban farmers with Acres4Change and Matson Consulting.

»Register

Ke Ō Mau Center for Sustainable Island Food systems speaker series webinar 
Wednesday, October 16th • 12 –1 p.m. 
The Ke Ō Mau Center is hosting a year-long webinar series occurring each month consisting of 15-minute presentations Q/A highlighting the work of various agri-food system change initiatives across Hawaiʻi. The speakers for the next brown bag session will be: Catherine Pirkle (Pirkle Epidemiology and Evaluation Consulting, LLC), Amy Miller (president/CEO, Hawaiʻi Food Bank) Jason Shon (food security and sustainability program manager, City and County of Honolulu), and Alex Narrajos (sustainable agriculture and food systems manager, City and County of Honolulu). Contact Ioane at jahn6@hawaii.edu with any questions.
»Register