KOHALA CENTER PROGRAMS & NEWS
U.S Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program accepting applications
The Paycheck Protection Program provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the coronavirus pandemic. Participating lenders will accept applications from eligible businesses and nonprofit organizations until March 31, 2021. Refer to the program website for more information and contact Eric Bowman at ebowman@kohalacenter.org with questions.
Continuation of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities as well as updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied for the program. Refer to the press release or farmers.gov/cfap for more information.
The Kohala Center launches new Ōhāhā Mahi ‘Ai Agricultural Training and Education Program
Ōhāhā Mahi ‘Ai reconnects local farmers and gardeners with ancestral relationships to food and deepens kinship with ‘āina through ‘ike rooted in Hawaiian practice while also incorporating Western knowledge systems. This new program includes four sessions at our Demonstration Farm in Honoka‘a on consecutive Saturdays (Cohort 1 meets February 13, 20, 27, and March 6; Cohort 2 meets March 13, 20, 27, and April 3), followed by individual coaching from our Rural and Cooperative Business Development Services team, online presentations on topics ranging from agricultural production to business development training, and learning journeys (huaka‘i) to traditional agricultural sites and farms in Kohala and Hāmākua. There is no cost to enroll, but space is limited. Download an application and learn more at kohalacenter.org/ohaha-mahiai.
Hawai‘i Farmers Market Association offers SNAP at Markets Grant
Hawai‘i Farmers Market Association is offering mini-grants to farmers markets across Hawai‘i to help increase local food access for low-income communities through implementation and promotion of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The deadline to apply is Monday, March 1. Visit the program website for more information and to apply.
2021 Agricultural Outlook Forum Program
Presented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
February 18–19
The theme of this year’s agricultural outlook forum is “Building on Innovation: A Pathway to Resilience.” The conference will focus on the central role science and innovation have played in helping the agricultural sector overcome challenges and build resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no cost to attend and registration is required in advance.
»Register online
Lunar Calendar & Kilo: Taro Grower Online Series
Presented by the University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Cooperative Extension Service, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, and E Kūpaku Ka ‘Āina
Wednesday, February 24 • 5–6:30 p.m.
These sessions will share recent research related to lunar response in kalo. The workshops will provide information about how lunar, celestial, and weather observations (kilo) can help farmers improve success and crop resilience. There is no cost to attend and registration is required in advance.
»Register online
»View/download flyer
1st Annual Soil Health Innovations Conference
Presented by The National Center for Appropriate Technology in cooperation with USDA Rural Development, Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, and Montana State University
March 8–9
This inaugural conference will feature live interactive presentations about cutting-edge soil-health practices and technology. The cost to attend is $75 or a discounted $50 for farmers and ranchers.
»Register online
