THE KOHALA CENTER: Employment/Opportunities/Events

Employment

The Kohala Center is hiring a waihona native collections manager
We are seeking a waihona native collections manager who will oversee integrated strategies to strengthen relationships with ‘āina towards a state of pono, in part through the expansion of our waihona (seed repositories and ‘ike Hawai‘i knowledge transmission) including native nurseries, canoe crop collections, and stored knowledge bases. Visit our Career Center for the full position description and to apply.

Hāmākua Ag Co-op is hiring a grant writer
Hāmākua Ag Co-op in Honokaʻa, Hawaiʻi Island is seeking an experienced grant writer to research and apply for grants to support the agricultural land leasing program. To apply, send a resume to hamakuaagcoop@gmail.com or call (808) 775-1107 for more info.

Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Co-op is seeking technical assistance providers
Technical assistance providers will work directly with producers to assess land, goals, and site conditions; evaluate agroforestry opportunities; develop plans aligned with NRCS standards; conduct site visits and document recommendations; support required reporting and project coordination. Providers receive approximately $5,000 per assigned producer for up to three producers. Apply by August 24 here.

Opportunities

Funding to mitigate two-lined spittlebug on ranchlands
Ranchers may receive up to $50,000 through Hawaiʻi Rangeland Stewardship Foundation and Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to mitigate the impacts of two-lined spittlebug (TLSB). Mitigation activities may include managed grazing, targeted herbicide treatments for noxious weeds that replace affected pastures, reseeding pastures with TLSB-resistant grasses to improve forage availability, and other activities that reduce the impacts of TLSB. Apply online by August 17.

USDA FSA accepting applications for Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program
The Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment (RTCP) program helps farmers and ranchers in remote areas by reimbursing a portion of their transportation costs for farm supplies and agricultural products. Hawaiʻi producers are eligible and may receive up to $8,000 each year. Apply by September 30 by contacting your local FSA office.

USDA AMS accepting applications for Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program
A total of $2.4 million is available for activities designed to strengthen and enhance the production and marketing of sheep and sheep products in the U.S. through infrastructure development, business development, production resource development, and market research. View more details here and apply by October 2.

USDA Western SARE calls for proposals
USDA Western SARE has released calls for proposals for several programs, including Farmer/Rancher (funds innovative producer-driven research and outreach), Professional + Producer (funding for agricultural technical advisors and producers implementing projects to address identified needs in sustainable agriculture), Professional Development (funds education and training for agricultural professionals), Local Education and Demonstration (funds the application and adoption of the results and recommendations from previous SARE-funded research), Graduate Student Research and Education (funds graduate students to lead a project with the support of their academic advisor and at least one producer to address identified needs in sustainable agriculture), and Visiting Research and Education (funds researchers around the world to partner with farmers, ranchers, agricultural professionals, and other researchers). Review this infographic to determine eligibility. Applications close between October 5–October 28.

USDA NRCS seeking partner for Hawaii Island Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program Project
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking a partner organization for the Hawaii Island Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program Project. The project area will focus on low-elevation agricultural zones located within impaired watersheds outside of Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island, spanning the Hāmākua Soil & Water Conservation District (from Kaieʻie Stream to Waiākea Stream) and extending to the low-elevation agricultural zones within the Shipman area of the Puna Soil & Water Conservation District. The selected partner will collaborate with NRCS and APHIS to collect damage assessment information, identify damage sites, procure supplies and assist with equipment maintenance, ensure regulatory compliance, facilitate meat salvage and distribution to the public, assist with carcass disposal, and provide outreach and assistance with trapping operations. Apply by September 21.

Pili Nā Moku Community Funding Opportunity
The Pili Nā Moku Community Funding Opportunity is accepting Statements of Interest for community-led projects that care for ʻāina, strengthen cultural stewardship, and build resilient communities. Up to $1.4 million is available within each participating moku or hui moku: Kona Kauaʻi (South and West), Waiʻanae (Oʻahu), Molokaʻi, Central Maui, and Kohala (Hawaiʻi Island). Join a free informational webinar on Friday, July 17, at 12 p.m. HST to learn more. Statements of Interest are due August 28, 2026. Learn more and register at pilinamoku.org.

Apply for the Expanding Agroforestry Project
The Expanding Agroforestry Project provides incentive payments and technical assistance to producers wishing to adopt agroforestry practices. The program is focused on adding new fruit, nut, timber, and wildlife habitat trees and shrubs to working lands through alley cropping, silvopasture, and windbreak practices. The project for Hawaiʻi is led by The Nature Conservancy and Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative and funded through USDA’s Advancing Markets for Producers initiative. Apply by August 11.

Apply for agricultural property tax in Hawaiʻi County
All Hawaiʻi County property owners currently participating in the Non-Dedicated Agricultural Use Program (NDA) must apply for a new program by September 1 to maintain agricultural benefits. Read more about the deadline here and find applications here.

Events

Ōhāhā Workshop Series
July–November
Join TKC for an upcoming series of eight workshops focused on planting kalo alongside other traditional Hawaiian canoe crops and native forest plants. Each workshop will focus on a different aspect of native food forestry. August’s two workshops will focus on the relationships between kalo and ʻuala, and kalo and ʻōhiʻa. Learn plant identification, planting practices, site preparation, moʻolelo, and other topics alongside community members on ʻāina. For more information and to pre-register for the workshop series, email mshiroyama@kohalacenter.org.

Farmer Education Series
August 6–22 (Zoom and in-person)
Join HIP Agriculture for a series of workshops designed to support producers through practical learning and community connection. Learn about common soil challenges in Hawaiʻi, how to interpret soil analyses, and integrated pest management of Bagrada bug and other vegetable pests.
»Register online

Hawaiʻi Island AgriFood Summit
Friday, August 14–Saturday, August 15
Honokaʻa and Waimea, Hawaiʻi Island
Join County of Hawaiʻi in a celebration of Hawaiʻi Island’s farmers, food producers, community leaders, and the partnerships building a stronger, more resilient local agrifood system. Friday will feature talks about the latest research, policy initiatives, community investments, and success stories in Honokaʻa (registration required). Saturday will feature live local music, free hands-on activities, food and craft vendors, and community organizations and service providers in Waimea (no registration required).
»Register online

E Ulu Kākou: Hawaiʻi’s Agriculture Market Readiness Program
Tuesdays in August–February • 5:30–6:30 p.m. (via Zoom)
UH Mānoa CTAHR is offering a free webinar series designed to help livestock and poultry producers build the knowledge and skills needed to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s food system. Sessions include commercial egg production, breeding technologies, slaughterhouse and meat quality, grazing management, livestock profitability and cost of production, and value-added products. Participants may attend one or multiple sessions.
»Register online

Webinar: Protect Your Farm. Protect Your Workers.
Wednesday, August 26 • 5 p.m. (via Zoom)
Join Hawaiʻi Farmers Union Foundation for a webinar about the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) and pesticide safety for Hawaiʻi farms. This session covers recordkeeping, worker notifications, restricted-entry intervals, application exclusion zones, and other key WPS requirements. Whether you’re required to comply with WPS or simply want to improve on-farm safety, you’ll gain practical guidance and learn about free on-site WPS consultations available to support your operation.
»Register online

36th annual Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers Conference
Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4
Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort, 4331 Kauaʻi Beach Dr, Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi (map)
Over three days, attendees will participate in presentations, farm tours, networking, and a tropical fruit tasting event, with speakers from the USDA, Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture, University of Hawaiʻi, and industry experts.
»Register online