American AgCredit (AAC) has pledged $2 million to support GoFarm Hawai‘i, one of the largest and most successful beginning farmer development programs in the nation. The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) program provides business technical assistance, educational opportunities and access to a suite of resources designed to remove barriers to farming and agribusinesses. It also operates five beginning farmer training sites across four islands and an agricultural technician training program at the Waiawa Correctional Facility.
“Food sustainability and economic diversification are key post-pandemic priorities for our state,” UH President David Lassner said. “Many of the GoFarm Hawai‘i program’s alumni have started independent businesses or secured jobs in the agricultural industry. This strategic philanthropic investment from AAC provides a major boost to our state’s next generation of farmers and our agricultural community statewide.”
The Hawai‘i 2050 Sustainability Plan has a goal of doubling local food production by 2030.
“Hawai‘i imports about 85–90% of its food, making it particularly vulnerable to disruptions in food supply,” said CTAHR Dean Nicholas Comerford. “Our GoFarm Hawai‘i program addresses this by providing farmers with the tools they need to be successful, and expanding our local food supply—a necessity for our entire community.”
National donors
The donation represents the combined contributions of AAC and CoBank, both members of the nationwide Farm Credit System.
“We are thrilled to be able to support the great work GoFarm Hawai‘i has been doing for nearly 20 years,” AAC President and CEO Curt Hudnutt said. “American AgCredit’s mission, to support all segments of agriculture, is so closely aligned to that of GoFarm Hawai‘i and this commitment is just a perfect fit for us.”
“Everyone in American agriculture understands the need to grow and develop the next generation of farmers and ranchers,” added Bill Davis, executive vice president of CoBank’s Farm Credit Banking Group. “It is absolutely critical for the industry and for the country as a whole. But for those who don’t come from a farming background, it can be difficult to get started. GoFarm Hawai’i has a proven and successful model for engaging beginning farmers and, together with our partners at AAC, we are delighted to be a part of their continued success.”
Diverse local support
GoFarm Hawai‘i Director Janel Yamamoto added, “We are extremely grateful for American AgCredit and CoBank’s support of our practical training program built around the real-world needs of tomorrow’s farmers. With their support, and the support of other key partners, we can help experienced farmers looking to expand and needing assistance to develop a business plan or proposal, as well as people new to agriculture, wanting to learn the basics of farming.”
The GoFarm Hawai‘i program is financially supported by competitive grants and private donations. Kamehameha Schools, the Ulupono Initiative, USDA NIFA and the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture have been strong supporters of the program since its inception.
Many additional organizations provide access to financial support, land, facilities, contribute labor/time, resources and expertise to support program participants. Program supporters and collaborators include: Kaua‘i Community College; UH Maui College; Corteva Agriscience; CTAHR Cooperative Extension, Hi!Ag Consortium; UH Sea Grant; The Kohala Center; Hawai‘i Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Hawai‘i Department of Public Safety; City and County of Honolulu; County of Hawai‘i; Kaua‘i County Office of Economic Development; Farm Service Agency; Natural Resource Conservation Service; Hawai‘i Tourism Authority; O‘ahu Resource Conservation & Development Council; North Shore Economic Vitality Partnership; Farm Link Hawai‘i; Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawai‘i; Ho‘ola Veteran Services; Sustainable Moloka‘i; and the Hawai‘i Agritourism Association.
Michelle Galimba added, “As a shareholder in AAC and past board member of Farm Credit Service of Hawai‘i, I could not be more thrilled with this significant investment in GoFarm Hawai‘i. Growing new farmers and ranchers and helping existing farmers and ranchers increase their business skills will increase the resilience and sustainability of the state of Hawai‘i for decades to come.”
As members of the Farm Credit System, the largest single provider of credit to American agriculture, AAC and CoBank are committed to the vibrancy of agriculture. AAC serves farmers and ranchers throughout the Western and Midwestern states, including Hawai‘i.