Kohala Center Employment, Opportunities, Events

Employment

E Kūpaku Ka ʻĀina is seeking two half-time field technicians
E Kūpaku Ka ʻĀina is seeking two half-time field technicians, one based on Maui and the other on Hawaiʻi Island. This is an opportunity for those interested in traditional Hawaiian food crops and production methods to participate in an ongoing project focused on the application and influence of the Hawaiian lunar/celestial planting calendar on yield and quality in kalo and ʻuala, and to assist Native Hawaiian farmers increase Hawaiian crop cultivar diversity on-farm. Visit their website for the full job description and to apply at ekupaku@gmail.com.

Hawaiʻi Island Pacific Agriculture (HIP Ag) is hiring three positions
HIP Ag is currently seeking passionate and skilled individuals for three opportunities: a program logistics manager, a nursery 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 their website or email Kenika Lorenzo-Elarco at institute@hipagriculture.org.

Kohala Food Hub (KFH) is hiring a full-time and part-time associate
KFH is seeking a full-time and part-time entry-level associate to perform a range of on-site and off-site tasks. KFH is an aggregator, distributor, marketer and online marketplace of locally grown and produced food based in North Kohala. This position will be hired through Kupu ‘Āina Corps. Applicants must be between 17-36 years of age. Visit the job description for more information or call (808) 896-3179. Email resume and cover letter to director@kohalafoodhub.com to apply.

Touching the Earth farm is hiring an orchard manager
Touching the Earth farm is hiring an orchard manager to oversee orchard operations, including planting, cultivation, harvesting, maintenance of fruit trees, sales, and marketing. This role requires a combination of horticultural expertise, leadership skills, and a strong commitment to achieving high standards of quality and productivity. Visit their website for a full job description. Send resume, cover letter, and application to manager@touchingtheearthfarm.com.

Opportunities

Seeding the Future: An Online Seed Production Course for Hawaiʻi’s Growers
Starting in January 2025, the Hawaiʻi Seed Growers Network (HSGN) will lead an online seed production series demonstrating both small-scale cultivation and seed production methods specific to Hawaiʻi’s unique growing environments. Join a team of seasoned seed growers for this ten-week course and learn to grow and save locally relevant seed varieties. An informational meeting for interested applicants for the 2025 Cohort will be held on December 4, 2024. To learn more and to register, visit the HSGN website.

DA BOX Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program open for new farmer contributions
Hawaiʻi Food Basket (HFB) in Hilo is seeking new Hawaiʻi Island farmers of all experience levels to sell produce in their CSA DA BOX program. New and experienced producers are welcome to contribute any quantity of produce, from just a few pounds to larger volumes. While organic certification is not required, HFB prioritizes produce grown with organic or natural methods and minimal pesticide use. Visit the HFB DA BOX website for more information.

Apply for fiscal year 2025 Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS) assistance programs
The USDA NRCS in the Pacific Islands area is now accepting applications for fiscal year 2025 assistance programs. Farmers, ranchers, and foresters in the Pacific Islands area interested in fiscal year 2025 funding can apply by January 31, 2025 for technical and financial assistance through NRCS’ Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, Agricultural Management Assistance program, Conservation Stewardship Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and Regional Conservation Partnership Program. Applications and more information are available at your local USDA Service Centers and online.

Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) compost reimbursement program accepting applications
The HDOA is accepting applications for the Compost Reimbursement Program for Fiscal Year 2025, which may reimburse agricultural producers (including farming and landscaping operations) for the cost of purchasing compost, including transportation costs. Farming and landscaping operations may apply for reimbursement of up to 50% of cost of compost purchased between July 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025. Reimbursements under this program are not to exceed $50,000 per qualified applicant. For more information and links to the fact sheet, application, and forms, visit their website.

Hawaiʻi Island Meat Cooperative (HIMC) seeking membership and input from local producers and consumers
Hawaiʻi Island Meat Cooperative (IMC) serves as a hub for local change, operating as a producer-owned and operated cooperative that provides humane, high-quality slaughter services to island ranchers. By increasing the availability of fresh, locally-sourced meats for consumers, HIMC integrates regenerative agriculture and aloha ʻāina values into its business model, prioritizing the care and well-being of animals raised for processing. HIMC invites membership and input from both producers and consumers who support these regenerative goals. For more information, contact Jack Spruance at hawaiiislandmeat@gmail.com.

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.

Events

USDA Farm and Food Worker Relief grant program ($600) on Hawaiʻi Island 
Funded by the USDA, the Farm and Food Worker Relief Grant Program is providing a one-time $600 payment to eligible farm and livestock workers that kept communities fed during the COVID pandemic. Through the program, Hawai‘i farm and livestock workers who worked during the COVID pandemic between January 27, 2020 and May 11, 2023 are eligible (and encouraged) to receive a one-time, $600 payment. To receive this payment, attendance to one of these in-person meetings is required. Details of the precise location of these meetings are provided only once registration is completed.

• Kona – November 21
• Waimea – November 21
• Kaʻū – November 22
• Hilo – November 23

Biochar information meeting in Waimea
Thursday, November 21 • 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Waimea Civic Center, 67-5189 Kamāmalu Street, Waimea, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
USDA NRCS is offering a free informative meeting on the power of biochar. Participants will learn about what biochar is, how biochar supports land health and growth, the benefits of biochar for farmers and landowners, and how to participate in the USDA biochar program. Visit the Changemakers Community Economic Development website for more information and to access free biochar materials and resources.