THE KOHALA CENTER: Employment/Opportunities/Events

Employment

Ahualoa Family Farms is hiring a farmers market customer experience and sales associate
Ahualoa Family Farms, based in Honokaʻa, is seeking someone to help with retail sales at farmers markets. Applicants must have a desire to become a mac nut and coffee expert, enjoy interacting with people, working independently, and enjoy sales. View the full job description online.

Opportunities

$40 million USDA grant for Hawaiʻi’s agricultural producers revived
The Hawaiʻi-Grown Partnership for Agriculture (HiGPA), formerly funded through USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program, has transitioned to the new USDA Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) initiative. The program will provide incentives and technical assistance to support conservation practices and market opportunities for Hawaiʻi’s farmers, ranchers, and forest managers. Producer pre-screen eligibility applications opened June 15, 2026. Learn more and apply at hawaiigrownpartnership.org.

USDA NRCS accepting applications for Conservation Innovation Grants
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). Grants are available in two parts: CIG Classic and CIG On-Farm Trials. CIG Classic focuses on early-stage development and piloting of new tools, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands. CIG On-Farm Trials focuses on more widespread adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches. Apply by July 27.

USDA FSA Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is providing $1.625 billion through a one-time bridge payment for specialty crops to help address market disruptions, elevated input costs, persistent inflation, and market losses from foreign competitors engaging in unfair trade practices that impede exports. To be eligible, producers must have reported their eligible acres to FSA for the 2025 crop year. Producers may receive up to $250,000. Learn more and apply online by August 7.

USDA RD Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program – Phase 4
USDA Rural Development (RD) is accepting applications for the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) – Phase 4. This program provides grants to help eligible meat and poultry processors expand their capacity. MPPEP Phase 4 supports the American beef industry by diversifying the meat and poultry supply chain and opening local market opportunities. The applicant’s facility must primarily process cattle to be eligible; however, funds or equipment may be used for processing meat and poultry. Awards up to $2 million are available. Learn more and apply online by August 7.

Deadline extended: USDA FSA Emergency Conservation Assistance for Kona Low storm damage
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting applications across Hawaiʻi for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from the Kona Low Storms that occurred March 10–March 24. ECP provides cost-share and technical assistance to producers to restore farmland to pre-disaster conditions. Approved ECP applicants can receive up to 75% of the cost of the approved restoration activity with a maximum cost share of $500,000 per natural disaster event. Approved ECP practices include removing debris from farmland; grading, shaping and releveling; replacing or repairing permanent fences; and restoring conservation structures. Contact your local FSA office for more information. The deadline for signup has been extended to July 31.

Events

Growing Resilience learning series
Saturday, June 20–Saturday, June 27
Various times and locations on Hawaiʻi Island
Join HIP Ag for a free learning series exploring soil health, agroforestry, seed stewardship, and local food production. Participants may attend one or multiple sessions including field days, demonstrations, and farm visits.
»Register online

County of Hawaiʻi Regional Agrifood Summits
Various dates and locations between June 22–July 16
The County of Hawaiʻi, in collaboration with Hāmākua Institute and The Food Basket, is hosting regional summits across Hawaiʻi Island to share the draft County of Hawaiʻi Five-Year Agrifood System and Community Food Security Plan. The goal of the Plan is to generate a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities across the agrifood system, highlight current projects and programs, and identify actions and areas for investment that improve community food security, economic resilience, and ecosystem health within Hawaiʻi County.
»Register online

Webinar: Land Access and Farm Succession
Wednesday, June 24 • 5 p.m. (via Zoom)
Join Hawaiʻi Farmers Union Foundation and GoFarm for a webinar exploring how farm succession can serve as a valuable land access pathway for new and established farmers. Learn how farms and farmland transition through family succession, non-family succession, leases, business transfers, and land matching opportunities.
»Register online

Workshop: Community Plant Pono
Saturday, June 27 • 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Ocean View Community Association, 92-8924 Leilani Cir, Ocean View, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
Come celebrate the launch of Ocean View’s first community garden! The Ocean View Community Association, in partnership with OSCER and Plant Pono, is hosting a free, family-friendly morning of plant giveaways, workshops, food, and community connection.
»More information

ʻUlu Hoʻolauleʻa and Global Breadfruit Summit
Saturday, September 19–Thursday, September 24
Various times and locations in Kona, Hawaiʻi Island
The week-long ʻUlu Hoʻolauleʻa (Breadfruit Celebration) includes the ʻUlu Festival, Aha ʻUlu, three-day Global Breadfruit Summit, and edible showcase. Early bird registration is now open for the Global Breadfruit Summit, which brings together community members, farmers, researchers, Indigenous knowledge holders, chefs, educators, innovators, and breadfruit enthusiasts from across the Pacific and beyond to celebrate and explore the future of ʻulu as a cornerstone of resilient food systems.
»Register online

2026 Hawaiʻi Agriculture Conference
Monday, November 9–Tuesday, November 10
Waikōloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, 69-275 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikōloa Village, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
This event, typically held every other year, provides a place for the agricultural community to explore, learn and network with each other: agricultural leaders and specialists, and affiliated stakeholders. Early bird registration is available through June 30. Scholarships are available if needed, with a preference for farmers and ranchers; apply by August 13.
»Register online