Participants will learn how to develop a business plan or revise an existing one with our successful step-by-step instructions. The session will also include tips on how you can reposition your business for success. To register, visit www.hisbdc.org. For more information, contact Jackie at 327-3680

U.S. Food Safety Program Update Date: Tuesday, July 9, 2013 Location: West Hawaii Civic Center, Community Meeting Center-Building G, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 Time: 10:00 a.m.—11:30 a.m. Deadline: July 8, 2013 Dr. Janet McDonald of the FDA will present a current overview of two proposed regulations: “Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce […]

What is the outlook for the Agricultural Industry in Hawaii? Hear from expert farmers on the challenges and rewards of farming. Hear from current students of the GoFarm Hawai’i program. Learn more about the UH program "GoFarm Hawai’i" (www.gofarmhawaii.org), a comprehensive and practical training program built around the real-world needs of tomorrow’s farmers. Download the flyer

The Hawaii State Department of Health and the Hawaii State Department of Agriculture are sponsoring an outreach workshop to assist farmers and public entities in complying with the new pesticides rule (HAR Ch. 11-55, Appendix M), adopted in October 2012. If you use pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, or various other substances to control pests, this meeting may apply to you. Of concern is whether these substances will be applied to or will enter waters of the state. Come and find out whether you are required to apply for a Pesticides General Permit, and receive assistance in complying with the new rule. Download the flyer for more information.

AGR-Lite is a federally-subsidized crop insurance product that can cover losses from causes such as natural disasters, bad weather, and pests/diseases, as well as losses due to market conditions. Organic growers and direct marketers may be covered at market instead of commodity prices. Producers of all crops are encouraged to attend to learn about applicability to their situation, what it takes to qualify, recordkeeping requirements, premium cost, how to apply, and similar questions.

UH-CTAHR Local and Immigrant Farmer Education (LIFE) and Risk Management Hawaii (RMH) programs are conducting informational workshops about the Coffee Berry Borer (CBB). CBB is a major production risk that coffee growers on the Big Island have been battling since its arrival in 2010. CTAHR’s Coffee and Orchard Crops Extension Agent, Andrea Kawabata and Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s Entomologist, Rob Curtiss, will be teaching farmers about the most current CBB Integrated Pest Management and sampling protocols. Coffee farmer, Bob Nelson will talk about his on-farm CBB projects and inform growers of his preliminary findings. In addition, Dr. Stuart Nakamoto, CTAHR Extension Economist, will be discussing risk management and crop insurance policies available to growers for coffee and coffee trees. Download the Flyer

This is required of food establishments that produce thermally processed, low-acid and acidified products in hermetically sealed containers for sale in the United States. There are many of these products being sold in farmers markets. Please be advised that improper processing and handling of such foods may result in hazardous food that has the potential to cause injury, illness, and even death. This is a highly intensive course with 16 lectures and 16 exams.

This is required of food establishments that produce thermally processed, low-acid and acidified products in hermetically sealed containers for sale in the United States. There are many of these products being sold in farmers markets. Please be advised that improper processing and handling of such foods may result in hazardous food that has the potential to cause injury, illness, and even death. This is a highly intensive course with 16 lectures and 16 exams.