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INVESTIGATOR: YAMAMOTO, J.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
UNIV OF HAWAII
3190 MAILE WAY
HONOLULU, HAWAII 96822

GOFARM HAWAII: BUILDING SUSTAINABLE FARMS FOR HAWAII

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The goal of the GoFarm Hawaii (GFH) project is to reduce Hawaii's dependence on imported food and increase the state's food sustainability. This will be accomplished by developing and supporting farmers and individuals who want to establish businesses in the agricultural industry. This project will develop new farmers through 1) a certificate-based farmer training program that integrates formal classroom and experiential lessons, 2) 1-on-1 business consulting and technical support, and 3) ongoing production, business, and networking support. Incorporating these components will increase the likelihood of success for the state's new and beginning farmers.Located 2,200 miles from the continental U.S., Hawaii imports about 85-90% of its food, making it particularly vulnerable to disruptions in food supply. The state struggles with an aging farmer population (avg. 60 years old), lack of farm labor, and declining numbers of sustainable farmers (the net income for farms is down 25% since the last USDA-NASS Census). To address these critical issues, Hawaii's Governor established a goal to double local food production by 2030.Of the 7,328 farms in Hawaii, 78% earn less than $25,000 per year. With high costs for land, labor, and inputs, for the majority of farmers, this level of sales is insufficient to significantly impact household income. Furthermore, 71% of the principal farm operators are at least 55 years old.In order to increase food production and prepare the next generation of farmers, support is needed to develop financially viable farming operations. New farmers focused on commercial production must be developed and existing farms must increase yield and profitability. GFH will develop and support commercial farmers that are prepared to meet production and business challenges and can immediately contribute to the state's food sustainability goals.The GFH beginning farmer training program (BFTP) currently has five training site locations across four of the eight major Hawaiian Islands. Of the post-high school agriculture training programs available, GFH is the only one with statewide reach and the only one that incorporates production, business, incubation, networking, and ongoing support after graduation. In addition, GFH is the only agriculture-focused business education and consulting program in the state. Between 2017 and 2019, 79% of GFH BFTP participants have been from socially disadvantaged groups (ethnic minorities or women).The GFH program has shown success in developing new farmers for the state and continues to show demand (in 2019, the GFH BFTP had 130 individuals apply for 50 available spots). The program prepares students for careers in agriculture, allowing many to start independent businesses, improve business practices, or obtain employment within the agricultural industry while building capital and experience to start a business.Since GFH's previous BFRDP grant, expanded phases have been added to two site locations. The curriculum has been strengthened through the addition of wholesale crop production lessons, hands-on business exercises and field trips, and a modified business plan assignment to foster deeper learning. Collaborations have led to more opportunities for participants. In 2018, Kamehameha Schools ran a contest exclusively for GFH graduates that provided access to free land for 3 years and prize money of $10,000 to scale their business. In 2019, a collaboration with Hoola Veteran Services has allowed GFH to train aspiring veteran farmers on Hawaii Island and made veteran support services available to veteran participants statewide. GFH has also provided support to other beginning farmer training programs in the state by offering business education and support to students of other programs.GFH has the ability to serve the needs of its beneficiaries, including LR/SD/V groups based on prior experience and by involving qualified partners with a strong track record of serving these audiences. Continued funding is essential for program survival and to leverage partner involvement. The program's established infrastructure, connection with the University's Land Grant College, and commitment by its staff and advisors will lead to statewide reach, immediate results, and ability to offer relevant content. Prior grant panel and graduate recommendations were reviewed and a number of suggestions were implemented or included in this proposal to enhance GFH for future students.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of the project is to reduce Hawaii's dependence on imported food and increase the state's food sustainability.Objective 1: Increase the number of viable, sustainable commercial farmers in HawaiiSub Objective 1a: Aspiring farmers across the State are engaged with the GFH program.Sub Objective 1b: High-potential aspiring farmers across the State have the fundamental knowledge and training required to produce crops for market.Sub Objective 1c: High-potential beginning farmers across the State have advanced knowledge and practice of commercial crop production and are prepared to start and operate a farm business.Sub Objective 1d: Offer new AgXcel Phase to high-potential beginning farmers at Hawaii Island and Kauai locations. Participants have advanced knowledge and practice of commercial crop production and are prepared to start and operate a farm business.Sub Objective 1e: Beginning famers have support transitioning to commercial farming.Objective 2: Provide leadership, networking, communication, and other critical skills and competencies to aspiring farmersObjective 3: Provide opportunities for additional learning before business startupObjective 4: Improve the financial and business health of new and beginning farmersObjective 5: Improve revenue opportunities for Hawaii Island participantsObjective 6: Identify and support important beginning farming initiatives and development in Hawaii