A Boost for Young, Diverse Farmers

The Atlantic (December 16, 2018)—The average American farmer, according to the most recent United States Department of Agriculture data, is white, male, and 58 years old. Just 8 percent of America’s 2.1 million farmers identify as anything other than non-Hispanic white; only 14 percent are women. And as the average age of American farmers has risen over the past 30 years, the federal government has taken small steps to address a situation that if left unaddressed, would almost certainly prove to be a crisis for American agriculture and the American food supply.

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Enrollment open for Beginning Farmer-Rancher Development Program

September 24, 2018 (West Hawaii Today)—Do you have an interest in learning how to farm but aren’t sure where to start? A great way to see if agriculture might be right for you is through The Kohala Center’s Beginning Farmer-Rancher Development Program.

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VIDEO: Hawaii Island New Farmer And Rancher Expo Held

September 4, 2018 (Big Island Video News)—For the second year, the Hawai‘i Island New Farmer and Rancher Expo was held, bringing together emerging producers with non-profit, private, and government resource organizations, as well as area buyers and experienced farmers.

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Honokaa seed exchange and potluck set for Sunday

April 23, 2018 (West Hawaii Today)—Attendees will share seeds and stories with farmers and gardeners while enjoying music and a potluck lunch open to the public from noon-4 p.m. this Sunday at Hawaiian Cultural Center of Hamakua in Honokaa. The event is presented by Honokaa Seed Exchange in collaboration with The Kohala Center and Hawaii Seed Growers Network.

Hawaii Seed Growers Network members will present local seed initiatives, and sell locally adapted seed. The event is free to attend and registration is not required.

Info: Contact Zoe Kosmas at honokaaseedexchange@gmail.com.

Introduction to QuickBooks for farmers, food producers, small businesses offered

April 16, 2018 (West Hawaii Today)—Scheduled from 6–8:30 p.m. April 23 at West Hawaii Mediation Center Conference Room in Waimea, the workshop will cover accounting basics, how to read P&L and balance sheets and an introduction to QuickBooks.

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Connect with ‘aina: Kohala Center offering outdoor education programs for students

February 27, 2018 (Hawaii Tribune-Herald)—The Kohala Center is offering two outdoor education programs for high school students March 19-23 during the public school spring intersession.
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Experiential spring intersession programs offer opportunities for high schoolers to engage with aina

February 26, 2018 (West Hawaii Today)—The Kohala Center is offering two outdoor-education programs for Hawaii Island high school students March 19 through 23, during the public school spring intersession.

Participants who successfully complete the week-long programs are eligible to receive a $125 to $250 stipend in the form of a Visa gift card to commend their dedication to natural resource college, career and community pathways.

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High School Sustainable Agriculture Program

February 22, 2018 (BigIslandNow.com)—The Kohala Center is offering two outdoor-education programs for Hawai‘i Island high school students during the public school spring intersession, Monday through Friday, March 19 to 23, 2018. Participants who successfully complete the weeklong programs are eligible to receive a $125 to $250 stipend in the form of a VISA gift card to commend their dedication to natural resource college, career, and community pathways.
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New website offers local seeds for local needs: Hawaii-grown seeds specifically adapted for islands’ small farms and home gardens

January 15, 2018 (West Hawaii Today)—Small-scale farmers and home gardeners in Hawaii now have an additional option for purchasing locally produced seeds.

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FoodCorps Recruitment for 2018-19 School Year Begins

January 11, 2018 (BigIslandNow.com)—The national FoodCorps program is currently accepting applications from emerging food justice leaders for the 2018-19 school year.

Service member positions will be available on Hawai‘i Island, as well as in communities in 16 states on the continental U.S. and in the District of Columbia.

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