Spotlight on Business: 3 unsung, behind the business scene heroes

February 4, 2019 (West Hawaii Today)—How do you get into business, get financing, scale up your product, expand? How do you get help? Rather than providing generic answers to those questions, it seems a better idea to direct you to the sources — those people who can help you navigate the terrain of business development and provide specific answers to the questions relative to your particular situation.

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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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Good news for Hawaii from Washington, D.C.: Three programs adopted to bring fresh, healthy produce to high-need residents

September 24, 2018 (West Hawaii Today)—As of late, it isn’t often the words in this article’s title are true, but good news indeed came from the nation’s capital last month that directly impacts the quality of life for several thousand people on Hawaii Island.

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Column: From farm to school cafeteria, building a food-secure Hawaii

September 13, 2018 (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)—During preparations for Hurricane Lane recently, Hawaii was ordered to close its waters to cargo ships and all incoming vessels. Moments like this remind Hawaii of its dependence on imported food. Approximately 85 percent of our food is grown on the mainland or abroad and we have only weeks of food available if our ports ever close.

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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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Over $869,000 to Go to Hawai‘i Island Land Management, Business Development

July 31, 2018 (BigIslandNow.com)—The Kohala Center in Waimea will receive $869,931 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to improve land management and strengthen local businesses, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced on Tuesday, July 31, 2018.

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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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Big Island ‘Aina Pono Farm-to-School Pilot Program Expands

March 29, 2018 (BigIslandNow.com)—Students at Mililani High School on O‘ahu celebrated the state’s ongoing ‘Aina Pono Farm to School Program on Thursday, March 29, 2018.

Nearly 3,000 meals are prepared in the school cafeteria and also delivered to the students at Mililani Uka and Mililani Waena Elementary Schools.

 The program launched in the Kohala School complex on the Big Island, where the school cafeteria became more efficient by reducing and replacing canned, processed food with fresh, locally-grown fruits, vegetables and beef.