Beginning Farmer-Rancher Development Program | GoFarm Hawai‘i @ The Kohala Center | |
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Program Summary | TKC’s Beginning Farmer-Rancher Development Program provides participants with an in-depth overview of various forms of agriculture in Hawai‘i and fundamental farming knowledge. Participants will get a comprehensive experience of farming (in theory and practice) to help them determine their future in agriculture through classroom instruction, farm visits, and on-farm workshops. | GoFarm Hawai‘i focuses on providing practical experience and knowledge for those seeking to farm commercially. Participants will grow their own crops at TKC’s Demonstration Farm in Honoka‘a. |
Course Length | 188 hours over nine months (January 13–October 2018). Classes meet every other Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with additional optional workshop meetings. Program includes coursework, on-farm demonstration, workshops, and field trips. | AgCurious seminar – Fall 2018 date TBD (2 hours)
AgXposure – Four (4) Saturdays in Fall 2018, date TBD (26 hours) AgSchool – 17 weeks, Wednesday evenings 5:30–8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Fall 2018 dates TBD (153 hours) Additional follow-up programs available to select graduates. |
Course Location | Primarily based in Honokaʻa with satellite courses in Kailua-Kona, Hāwī, and Kaʻū | Honokaʻa |
Instructional Approaches | Classroom presentations, guest speakers, on-farm workshops, field trips, optional farm practicum, and online videos. | Experiential learning (students required to manage a farm plot and run a 4-week CSA), on-line educational platform, classroom presentations and discussions, guest speakers, and field trips. |
Topics Covered Include | Business planning and financing, marketing of agricultural products, crop production in the tropics, food safety, soilless production techniques, plant nutrition, soil fertility management, livestock production, integrated pest management. | Soil and plant health and nutrition, plant anatomy and physiology, farm and crop planning, seedling production, vegetable crop production, farm equipment, irrigation, pest management (plant pathogens, insects, nematodes, and weeds), food safety, market niches and models, and post-harvest handling. |
Registration Fee | $250; financial assistance available. | AgCurious and AgXposure – no fee
AgSchool – $320; limited scholarships available. |
Application Process | Download program application | Attend AgCurious session (Fall 2018 date TBD). Reserve your seat by emailing Derrick Kiyabu at derrick@gofarmhawaii.org. |
Additional Services/Support | Assistance available to select graduates to apply for farm leases and capital to successfully produce, market, and distribute crops. | AgBusiness program helps graduates transition to viable agribusinesses, apply for land and financing, receive business startup and planning consulting. |
Additional Information | Contact Melanie Willich at mwillich@kohalacenter.org | Contact Derrick Kiyabu at derrick@gofarmhawaii.org |