The KOHALA CENTER Agricultural Resources Bulletin:
COVID-19 information
U.S. federal government enacts Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES)
The CARES Act addresses the economic fallout of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the U.S. The law allocates $2 trillion in funding for businesses, nonprofits, individuals, federal agencies, and state and local governments, with approximately $4 billion in funding available for the State of Hawai‘i. A summary of key information from the bill is available at schatz.senate.gov/coronavirus. The U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship published a guide to the CARES Act for small business owners, which is available to view and download online. The full 880-page bill is available to view and download online.
Read the latest newsletter from Hawai‘i Farm Bureau Federation (HFBF)
HFBF is helping local food producers and communities overcome the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic by assessing producer needs, creating new market access points, collaborating with stakeholders, and more. Learn about these efforts in HFBF’s recent newsletter, which is available to read online.
Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative (HUC) announces #ONO4ULU COVID-19 relief effort
HUC is collaborating with The Food Basket on Hawai‘i Island to feed local families impacted by COVID-19 by accepting charitable donations from consumers. For more information about this effort, read the co-op’s newsletter online or visit eatbreadfruit.com.
USDA field offices transition to providing service by phone appointment only
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Rural Development county offices are open by phone appointment only until further notice. Visit farmers.gov/coronavirus for more information and to find contact information for a service center in your county.
USDA adds flexibilities for crop insurance to support for farmers and ranchers
USDA’s Risk Management Agency authorized flexibilities due to COVID-19, which will enable producers to send notifications and reports electronically, extend the date for production reports, provide deferred interest on premiums, and more. Refer to the agency’s press release for more information.
USDA Rural Development launches COVID-19 resource webpage
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development recently launched a COVID-19 resource page to provide continuous updates about actions taken by the Agency to help rural residents, businesses, and communities impacted by the pandemic. Visit rd.usda.gov/coronavirus for more information.
Free online access to technical resources for agricultural producers
The National Center for Appropriate Technology is now providing free access to all technical resources on its website, including digital publications, videos, podcasts, and other materials. Visit attra.ncat.org/covid for information related to the pandemic for agricultural producers.
Resources for agricultural employers and farm safety in response to COVID-19
The Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety developed a website with essential information for farm operators and farmworkers to protect health and safety on the farm during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit aghealth.ucdavis.edu/covid19 to view and download fact sheets, printable flyers, and more.
American Farmland Trust welcomes applications for farmer relief fund grants
The fund will award farmers with cash grants of up to $1,000 each to help them weather the current storm of market disruptions caused by COVID-19. The deadline to apply is Thursday, April 23. Visit farmland.org/farmer-relief-fund for more information and to apply.
The Healy Foundation invites applications for COVID-19 response grants program
Eligible nonprofits are encouraged to apply for unrestricted grant awards up to $25,000 to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Visit the foundation’s website for more information and to apply.
Emergency financial assistance available through Ho‘āla Assistance Program
The purpose of the Ho‘āla Assistance Program, funded by the Hawaiʻi Resilience Fund, is to provide one-time emergency financial assistance up to $1,000 per household to Hawaiʻi residents facing hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit hawaiiancouncil.org/hrf for more information and to apply.
University of Hawai‘i initiates survey to track movement of COVID-19
University of Hawai‘i’s National Disaster Preparedness Training Center is asking for the public’s help to map the spread of COVID-19 statewide by responding to a questionnaire. Everyone is asked to respond, including healthy residents and visitors. The survey takes 5-10 minutes to complete and is available online. Refer to this news article for more information.
Farm-to-car initiative launched for O‘ahu residents
With support from Hawai‘i Farm Bureau Federation (HFBF), the City and County of Honolulu initiated a new farm-to-car program for residents to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables online and pick up their produce at the Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. HFBF is planning to expand the program to additional locations in the coming weeks. Visit hfbf.org/farm-to-car for more information and to enroll.
GoFarm Hawai‘i launches Find Your Farmer resource for consumers
To help consumers access local food, GoFarm Hawai‘i has created an online Find Your Farmer directory. The list shares contact information for farmers providing CSA, delivery, and on-farm pick-up options. The webpage will be continuously updated; farmers from all islands are invited to add their information to the list by emailing info@gofarmhawaii.org.
How to access safe and fresh food during the COVID-19 outbreak
Hawai‘i Public Radio interviewed several local farming organizations to provide consumers with information about where to access fresh fruits and vegetables during the emergency stay-at-home order. Listen to the full interview online.
Seeking more information?
For additional information and resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic, refer to the special edition of the Agricultural Resources Bulletin published on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. This previous edition is available to view online.
Opportunities
Food producers encouraged to contact The Kohala Center for assistance
The Kohala Center’s Rural and Cooperative Business Development Program is operating at full capacity and will continue to serve agricultural businesses and organizations across the state via telecommunications. Agribusinesses, food producers, and nonprofits engaged in local food initiatives are encouraged to reach out if they need assistance. Requests for assistance should be directed to Eric Bowman at ebowman@kohalacenter.org, Megan Blazak at mblazak@kohalacenter.org, or by calling our main number at 808-887-6411. Producers are also encouraged to visit kohalacenter.org/business/resources to access TKC’s online library of agribusiness development resources.
CCOF Foundation invites students to apply for vocational and higher education grant
California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) Foundation invites eligible students from across the U.S. to apply for an award up to $2,500 from the Future Organic Farmer Grant program. The application period opens on Friday, May 1, and closes on Monday, June 1. Refer to the program website for eligibility criteria and to apply. Contact ccoffoundation@ccof.org or 831-423-2263 with questions.
Reimbursement funding available for Moloka‘i farmers and ranchers
The County of Maui Office of Economic Development is accepting applications from eligible farmers and ranchers on Moloka‘i seeking reimbursement for expenses related to compliance with federal and state food safety regulations. Reimbursements will not exceed $5,000 per applicant. The deadline to apply is Monday, June 1. Application instructions and forms are available on the agency’s website. Contact Kuhaʻo Business Center at 808-553-8100 for assistance.
Food labeling and food safety plan consultation services for businesses on Hawai‘i Island
Nina Ann Tanabe of Pacific Food Technology, LLC, and John Nakashima of Food Safety Services Hawai‘i, LLC, are offering free technical consultations to food producers about food labeling and food safety plans. This service is available until Tuesday, June 30, in Hilo, Waimea, and Kailua-Kona, and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Email nina@pfthi.com or john.nakashima@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.
University of Hawai‘i undergraduates seek input from producers through online survey
A team of undergraduates enrolled at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo is conducting a survey of producers to better understand the status of and challenges associated with farm labor in the local agricultural sector. The survey is part of the students’ coursework, and the online survey is being distributed in lieu of in-person meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey can be completed online.
Organic and transitioning producers sought for national survey
The Organic Farming Research Foundation, Organic Seed Alliance, and the Social and Economic Sciences Research Center are working to identify the research priorities of certified organic producers as well as producers transitioning land to certified organic production. Certified organic farmers and ranchers should visit opinion.wsu.edu/organicproduction to respond; transitioning producers should visit opinion.wsu.edu/transitionproducers. Contact Lauren Scott at sesrc.nora.survey@wsu.edu with questions.
Share your insight about cover crops
U.S. Department of Agriculture Sustainable Agriculture Research Education Program is conducting a national survey of producers to collect information about the use of cover crops in their operations. The survey can be completed online, and takes 10-15 minutes to complete. Participants who complete the survey can enter a drawing for VISA gift cards worth $100 and $200.
Virtual events
Online Sales Platforms for Farmers
Presented by Oregon Tilth
Originally aired on Monday, March 23
Farmers and ranchers need to find alternative ways to market their products due to closures of restaurants, farmers markets, and other sales channels due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This free webinar highlights several direct-to-consumer online sales platforms suitable for producers.
»View recording online
How to Run Effective Virtual Meetings During COVID-19
Presented by Hawai‘i Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations
Originally aired on Friday, March 27
Learn how to host an effective virtual meeting using best practices and tips for success shared in this previously recorded webinar. There is no cost to view the recording.
»View recording online
»View/download handout
Careers in Aquaculture
Presented by Voice of the Sea TV affiliated with University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program
Thursday, April 2 • 2–3 p.m.
Watch the premiere of this new episode on YouTube and chat online with aquaculture experts, including current and future students from University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center. There is no cost to attend and registration is not required in advance.
»View livestream
»Visit program website
Farmers Markets Physical Redesign for COVID-19 Mitigation
Presented by Farmers Market Coalition
Monday, April 6 • 9–10 a.m. HST
This webinar will focus on the physical redesign of farmers market spaces and share examples of how market operators have implemented new practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19. There is no cost to attend and registration is required advance. Due to high demand, priority will be given to registrants who are farmers market managers. A recording will be published online after the event.
»Register online
Introduction to Accounting for Hawai‘i Farmers
Presented by The Kohala Center in collaboration with AgriLogic Consulting, LLC
Wednesday, April 22 • 5–7 p.m.
Online via Zoom
This virtual meeting is intended for commercial agriculture businesses seeking to improve their accounting knowledge and skills by using accounting software (such as QuickBooks) for farm financial recordkeeping. The course will cover topics such as chart of accounts set-up, cash receipts, accounts receivable, cash disbursements, and more. Participation is free, but advance registration is required. Space is limited to 10 participants. Contact Eric Bowman at ebowman@kohalacenter.org for more information. Contact Eric Bowman at ebowman@kohalacenter.org or 808-887-6411 with questions.
Production news
Tips for creating a home garden in Hawai‘i from experienced growers
Hawai‘i Seed Growers Network members Nancy Redfeather and Glenn Teves offer guidance and advice for establishing a viable home garden. The blog is available to read online.
Cooperative extension service website features technical resources for edible crops
Jari Sugano is a cooperative extension agent who specializes in edible cropping systems. Visit her website at cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/suganoj to learn about her research, read extension publications, watch instructional videos, and more.
New podcast for fruit and vegetable growers related to COVID-19
University of Vermont Cooperative Extension Service published a podcast and resource document with information about public health, food safety, communications, and more to help growers and farmers market managers respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Refer to the extension service’s blog to access the resources.
Short guide to platforms for selling products online
This recent blog from the Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development discusses several online ordering platforms suitable for agricultural producers and farmers markets transitioning to online sales.
