Hawaiʻi is the most isolated populated place on Earth; the nearest major landmass is the U.S. continent, 2,400 miles away. It’s estimated that 85% to 90% of Hawaiʻi’s food is imported, making food security a critical concern.
In 2003, the Agribusiness Incubator Program (AIP) was established under the umbrella of the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (now Resilience) to assist agriculture businesses statewide in the areas of finance, marketing and business planning.
AIP launched GoFarm Hawaiʻi, a beginning farmer training program, in 2012 in response to burgeoning interest from people who wanted to operate a successful farm but lacked the production skills and business experience to do it on their own.
Today, Laura Ediger (who holds a doctorate in ecology) and Janel Yamamoto (a finance and human resource management executive) lead GoFarm as co-directors.
“GoFarm’s mission is to enhance Hawaiʻi’s food security and economy by increasing the number of local agricultural producers,” said Ediger. “We’re accomplishing this by giving individuals who are seriously considering a career in commercial farming a leg up through a series of programs designed to be completed sequentially.
“The first three phases require an eight-month commitment during which we provide hands-on experience, a solid foundation about soil-based sustainable farming practices, and connections with key people in the agriculture industry.”
GoFarm students grow a variety of crops including (l-r): bravo radish; dragon tongue beans; and white and purple cauliflower.
According to Ediger, GoFarm participants range in age from 18 to 75, but the average age is 40. Some have studied or worked in fields related to agriculture, but most of them have not; for example, she noted a recent cohort included a realtor, archaeologist, pastry chef, nuclear engineer and English teacher.
AgCurious, GoFarm’s first phase, is free and open to everyone. During this two-hour Zoom session, participants learn about the organization’s history and its five training sites: Pūlehunui (near Puʻunēnē) on Maui, Līhuʻe on Kauaʻi, Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island, and Waialua and Waimānalo on Oʻahu, each of which is overseen by a coach. AgCurious attendees also meet GoFarm alumni and a site coach.
“Our staff has extensive experience in farming and business,” said Ediger. “Some of them own and operate farms, so they have valuable insights to share.”
Those who want to proceed to the next phase, AgXposure, must apply for a spot; typically, only 20 people are accepted. This program runs five weeks, including Saturdays and one online weeknight class. Students network with farm and food business owners, visit a variety of farms, and work on projects at host farms such as clearing fields, weeding, planting and harvesting. The fee is $50 per person and two people can enroll as partners who are both responsible for attending classes, completing assignments and meeting goals.
Ten to 12 slots are open for fledgling farmers who want to progress to AgXcel, the 27-week third phase. Participants must attend one online weeknight class and in-person training every Saturday.
Topics include irrigation, pest control, post-harvest storage and marketing strategies, and they’ll meet support professionals such as loan officers, soil analysis experts and agricultural extension agents. AgXcelers must also commit to a minimum of 20 hours per week maintaining a 2,500-square-foot plot of diversified vegetables. The fee is $500 for individuals, $700 for partnerships.
“AgXposure and AgXcel classes are intensive and fast-paced,” Ediger said. “There are lectures and homework. Students are expected to keep accurate records and be willing to get dirty and do the hard manual labor of farming.”
About 25% of AgXcel graduates continue to AgIncubator, where they can stay for up to three years. During this program, they’ll develop their own farming business literally from the ground up at one of GoFarm’s training sites. Monthly leases start at $75 for 1/8-acre parcels and increase from there, depending on the plot size.
“AgIncubators must create and execute a plan: decide what they’re going to grow; plant, care for and harvest their crops; and meet production, marketing and financial goals,” Ediger said. “They have access to GoFarm’s equipment, facilities and guidance from coaches, but the idea is for them to eventually transition off-site and be totally independent.”
Currently available once a year for a fee of $200, AgOrchard is another option for additional training. Although completion of AgXcel is not a prerequisite, that is encouraged as it provides a beneficial foundation.
On Oʻahu, AgOrchard runs for 10 weeks. It’s based at GoFarm’s Waialua site but also includes weekly weeknight classes and Saturday tours of various orchards. AgOrchard on Hawaiʻi Island comprises visits to 10 different orchards over the course of six months. Mirroring Oʻahu’s program, AgOrchard on Maui is set to start in June.
Although GoFarm’s participants do not all wind up farming commercially, Ediger points out that the knowledge they gain and the connections they make are invaluable.
She herself tends herbs, greens, ti plants, fruit trees and lei flowers in the backyard of her Kailua home, and she’s grateful for the opportunities Go Farm provides to network with like-minded people.
“It’s satisfying, humbling and inspiring to work with both longtime farmers and newcomers who want to help grow Hawaiʻi’s agriculture industry,” she said. “We share a deep love for the ʻāina and tremendous appreciation for where the food on our plates comes from.”
Visit gofarmhawaii.org and follow GoFarm on Instagram and Facebook for more information about its programs and special events, including free open houses. GoFarm welcomes tax-deductible donations: go to uhfoundation.org/SupportGoFarmHawaii.
