Progress 09/01/19 to 02/28/22

Outputs
Target Audience:The GoFarm Hawaii project offers a low-cost educational program for all adult learners who want to pursue a career in agriculture. The project reaches new populations of non-traditional students, including Native Hawaiian and other underrepresented groups who are looking for a direct, focused pathway towards a career in sustainable farming. The target audience for this project is adult learners, including populations of non-traditional students looking for a direct pathway towards a career in sustainable agriculture. To recruit participants, the GoFarm Hawaii (GFH) website collects information from individuals interested in upcoming AgCurious sessions. GFH maintains mailing lists of those expressing interest and these individuals are contacted directly as upcoming sessions arise. AgCurious sessions are also advertised through industry groups who have extensive reach within the agricultural industry, incommunities near site locations, and with collaborators who receive inquiries about farmer training or who have access to potentially interested populations. Outreachwas conducted through area legislators, local high schools, and GFH collaborators. GFH's active social media accounts, outreach at relevant events, and wide network ensure broadreach for recruitment efforts. Current and past participants have also been a great source of referrals. Changes/Problems: Primary change related to COVID-19 which required modifications to training delivery. Increased protocols required more resources and limited capacity. University rules relating to required vaccination or testing did not align with some participants. Program participants made personal choices to exit to reduce potential virus exposure or address personal needs. There was increased demand and need for local produce, which allowed participants to actively engage with the community and fill critical needs. Markets in Hawaii changed, requiring farmers to modify distribution methods. The program staff was unable to travel to various sites and collaborators were unable to meet in person. Therefore, delivery methods were adjusted to virtual training and meetings. During the period, enhanced COVID protocols were implemented including social distancing, limited group sizes (at times - 10 maximum in-person including students, instructors, and speakers), required vaccination or exemption with weekly COVID testing, and mandatory mask usage. Some students opted out of the program due to their COVID risk tolerance or their reluctance to adhere to University COVID policies. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The primary program goal is to train students, but assume this question relates to the training and development of staff. With that in mind, we have sent staff to relevant state and national conferences and workshops including the 2020 Fancy Food Show to increase knowledge about value-added food products and the state agricultural conference. Staff members also attended an intensive facilitation workshop to gain communication and leadership skills. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Regular updates of activities and graduations on social media Booth at ag-related events State Ag Conference Regular meetings with collaborators and funders Regular tours with government and educational leaders Students and program have appeared on community television, radio, local magazine, and newspaper articles Hosted multiple alumni conferences Annual activity report has been distributed to collaborators and funders and is made available to the public What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Project Goal and Impact: The goal of the project was to increase Hawaii's food security and economy by 1) increasing the number of sustainable agribusinesses and 2) growing existing agribusinesses. Project Approach: This project prepared students for careers through a certificate-based training program, and support the business operations of existing farmers through one-on-one business consulting. See Objectives and Accomplishments below. Project Impact and Results: Students started independently farming or entered careers in agriculture. Farmers developed value-added products. Forty-nine new businesses were started. Existing businesses received business support, which assisted them to 1) work through COVID challenges, 2) gain knowledge of government programs, and 3) increase revenues, profits, and efficiencies. This work helped increase the production and sale of locally-grown products, helping the state work towards goal of increased food sustainability. The outreach efforts of the project helped improve community awareness and support of local farmers. Objective 1: Increase number of commercial farmers through a non-credit, certificate-based educational opportunity to adult learners interested in careers in commercial agricultural production: GFH provided training and curriculum at six locations statewide. Participants received classroom and field instruction and had access to incubator land and support at three locations. To supplement learning, increase efficiency, and maximize resource availability across all program sites, distance learning tools were introduced. With COVID-19, all classroom sessions were held virtually. Participant counts during the 9/1/19-2/28/22: Active Cohorts: 19 AgCurious: 731 AgXposure: 247 AgSchool: 86 enrolled; 74 graduated (86% graduation rate; note that several dropped out of class due to COVID-19) AgTechnician: 30 enrolled; 17 graduated; 7 active (74% graduation rate; note that several dropped out of class due to COVID-19 and transfer out of correctional facility) AgXcel: 79 enrolled; 58 graduated; 14 active (89% graduation rate; note that several dropped out of class due to COVID19) AgPro: 44 enrolled; 37 graduated; 0 active (84% graduation rate; note that several dropped out of class due to COVID19) Marketed CSA products: 149 students Started farming during the period: 74 Entered agricultural workforce during period: 30 AgIncubator land used: 46 Objective 2: Provide leadership and community-based opportunities for participants: The students were asked to: Participate (and were given opportunities to lead) in group and community-based activities Each AgSchool student and beyond is asked to make presentations about their production activities and business ideas and network to access sales opportunities With COVID-19, students were asked to network with community organizations and support communities in need with fresh produce All AgSchool students worked as a team to complete assignments and market a 3-week community supported agriculture (CSA). Each AgXcel and AgPro independently marketed 7 or 10-week CSA. All AgXcel and AgPro participants did a formal presentation about their production, sales, or business for their cohort members, coaches, and an external evaluation team. Guidance on leadership, networking, professional communication, and community involvement were incorporated in class and annual conference. Fifty-eight AgXcel and thirty-seven AgPro students increased their leadership skills and learned how to market their businesses professionally so they will be able to successfully operate their business. Objective 3: Increase financial success of agribusinesses: The GFH AgBusiness Team provided consulting services to 95 aspiring farmers and 61 established farmers. Assistance included business plan development, business startup, marketing assistance, feasibility studies, value-added products/agritourism assistance; and financial projection development. This assistance better positions these individuals to access capital and government programs, markets, and land opportunities. Objective 4: Enhance business knowledge for agripreneurs throughout the state: GFH AgBusiness Team provided agricultural business education and training to 1,368 aspiring and existing farmers throughout the State of Hawaii. Sessions included business planning, agritourism, marketing, value-added collaborations, transitioning a family farm, preparing to lease land, lending and program options during COVID-19, market opportunities, production planning, and recordkeeping. These sessions were well received, earning an overall course rating of 4.2/5.0. Participants indicated that prior to the class, their level of knowledge was 2.3/5.0 and after, their level increased to 3.8/5.0. Program leaders were able to survey participants to determine additional training needs. Objective 5: Facilitate support for additional revenue streams including value-added agricultural products and agritourism/education: The GFH AgBusiness Team is collaborating with the Hawaii Tourism Authority to offer training, support, and funding opportunities for farmers who are interested in developing a tourism revenue stream. The program collaborated with the Maui Food Innovation Center to pilot a value-added food manufacturing course. It also held a session on Building Value Added Collaborations. These sessions helped build capacity for agritourism operation in the state to help improve business conditions that support farmers. The sessions were designed to provide knowledge that can increase revenue opportunities for farmers, leading to more sustainable local businesses. Objective 6: Participate in initiatives that support farmers and address industry issues: GFH participated in multiple initiatives and workgroups that support agricultural businesses in Hawaii. The program developed a marketing opportunity for farmers to connect directly with consumers during COVID-19. GFH is a member of the Hawaii AgHui, a broad coalition of agricultural stakeholders from across the sector and the state that is convening in response to the destabilization of the coronavirus pandemic, and to forge deeper connections between local agriculture, emergency food distribution, and long-term economic planning. The GFH Director also formed the AgTraining Hui, a group of local organizations that provide business support to local farmers. This group finds ways to coordinate efforts and collaborate, when possible. A recent survey of GFH participants and statewide beginning farmer training programs identified, land and mentorship opportunities as significant needs for farmers in Hawaii. To address this: GFH held a workshop on preparing to lease land in Hawaii. GFH collaborated with a local landowner to provide tips and guidance for land lease readiness. GFH collaborated with The Kohala Center to develop a land lease opportunity catalog. A farmer-to-farmer mentorship workshop series was developed to connect established and aspiring farmers. Sessions on scaling, business and production management, organic certification, and military veteran resources were held. The sessions were well received with 100% of survey recipients indicating the sessions met or exceeded their expectations. Program leaders were able to survey participants to determine additional training needs. The sessions were designed to provide knowledge that can increase efficiencies for farmers, leading to more sustainable local businesses.

Publications

• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: GFH Annual Report 2021

Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/21

Outputs
Target Audience:The GoFarm Hawaii project offers a low-cost educational program for all adult learners who want to pursue a career in agriculture. The project reaches new populations of non-traditional students, including Native Hawaiian and other underrepresented groups who are looking for a direct, focused pathway towards a career in sustainable farming. Additionally, the project will target commercial farmers (at all stages of business development) that are prepared to overcome production and business challenges. Changes/Problems: Primary change related to COVID-19 which required modifications to training delivery. Increased protocols required more resources and limited capacity. University rules relating to required vaccination or testing did not align with some participants. Program participants made personal choices to exit to reduce potential virus exposure or address personal needs. There was increased demand and need for local produce which allowed participants to actively engage with the community and fill critical needs. Markets in Hawaii changed, requiring farmers to modify distribution methods. The program staff was unable to travel to various sites and collaborators were unable to meet in person. Therefore, delivery methods were adjusted to virtual training and meetings. Large in-person gatherings in Hawaii remain restricted. Each county has different requirements - in general, they are restrictedto 10 people indoors and 20 outdoors. This has impacted the ability to deliver an in-person conference. Program has adjusted to virtual delivery. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The primary program goal is to train students, but assume this question relates to the training and development of staff. With that in mind, we have sent staff to relevant state and national conferences and workshops including the 2020 Fancy Food Show to increase knowledge about value-added food products and the state agricultural conference. Staff members also attended an intensive facilitation workshop to gain communication and leadership skills. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Regular updates of activities and graduations on social media Booth at ag-related events State Ag Conference Regular meetings with collaborators and funders Regular tours with government and educational leaders Students and program have appeared on community television, radio, local magazine, and newspaper articles Hosted multiple alumni conferences Annual activity report has been distributed to collaborators and funders and is made available to the public What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The PI received approval to extend the project until 2-28-22 to accommodate a pending greenhouse delivery and installationthat has been delayed due to shipping issues related to COVID. This is the only remaining deliverable on the project.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Project Goal: The goal of the project was to increase Hawaii's food security and economy by 1) increasing the number of sustainable agribusinesses and 2) growing existing agribusinesses. Project Approach: This project will prepare students for careers through a certificate-based training program, and support the business operations of existing farmers through one-on-one business consulting. See Objectives and Accomplishments below. Project Impact and Results: Students started independently farming or entered careers in agriculture. Farmers developed value-added products. Forty-nine new businesses were started. Existing businesses received business support, which assisted them to 1) work through COVID challenges, 2) gain knowledge of government programs, and 3) increase revenues, profits, and efficiencies. This work helped increase the production and sale of locally-grown products, helping the state work towards goal of increased food sustainability. The outreach efforts of the project helped improve community awareness and support of local farmers. Objective 1: Increase number of commercial farmers through a non-credit, certificate-based educational opportunity to adult learners interested in careers in commercial agricultural production:GFH provided training and curriculum at six locations statewide. Participants received classroom and field instruction and had access to incubator land and support at three locations. To supplement learning, increase efficiency, and maximize resource availability across all program sites, distance learning tools were introduced. With COVID-19, all classroom sessions were held virtually. Participant counts during the 9/1/20-8/31/21: Active Cohorts: 19 AgCurious: 634 AgXposure: 242 AgSchool: 86 enrolled; 66 graduated; 9 active (86% graduation rate; note that several dropped out of class due to COVID-19) AgTechnician: 30 enrolled; 17 graduated; 7 active (74% graduation rate; note that several dropped out of class due to COVID-19 and transfer out of correctional facility) AgXcel: 79 enrolled; 38 graduated; 36 active (88% graduation rate; note that several dropped out of class due to COVID-19) AgPro: 44 enrolled; 37 graduated; 0 active (84% graduation rate; note that several dropped out of class due to COVID-19) Marketed CSA products: 121 students Started farming during the period: 49 Entered agricultural workforce during period: 21 AgIncubator land used: 46 Objective2: Provide leadership and community-based opportunities for participants:The students were asked to: Participate (and were given opportunities to lead) in group and community-based activities Each AgSchool student and beyond is asked to make presentations about their production activities and business ideas and network to access sales opportunities With COVID-19, students were asked to network with community organizations and support communities in need with fresh produce All AgSchool students worked as a team to complete assignments and market a 3-week community supported agriculture (CSA). Each AgXcel and AgPro independently marketed 7 or 10-week CSA. All AgXcel and AgPro participants did a formal presentation about their production, sales, or business for their cohort members, coaches, and an external evaluation team. Guidance on leadership, networking, professional communication, and community involvement were incorporated in class and annual conference. Thirty-eight AgXcel and thirty-seven AgPro students increased their leadership skills and learned how to market their businesses professionally so they will be able to successfully operate their business. Objective 3: Increase financial success of agribusinesses:The GFH AgBusiness Team provided consulting services to 75 aspiring farmers and 61 established farmers. Assistance included business plan development, business startup, marketing assistance, feasibility studies, value-added products/agritourism assistance; and financial projection development. This assistance better positions these individuals to access capital and government programs, markets, and land opportunities. Objective4: Enhance business knowledge for agripreneurs throughout the state:GFH AgBusiness Team provided agricultural business education and training to 1,368 aspiring and existing farmers throughout the State of Hawaii. Sessions included business planning, agritourism, marketing, value-added collaborations, transitioning a family farm, preparing to lease land, lending and program options during COVID-19, market opportunities, production planning, and recordkeeping. These sessions were well received, earning an overall course rating of 4.2/5.0. Participants indicated that prior to the class, their level of knowledge was 2.3/5.0 and after, their level increased to 3.8/5.0. Program leaders were able to survey participants to determine additional training needs. Objective5: Facilitate support for additional revenue streams including value-added agricultural products and agritourism/education:The GFH AgBusiness Team is collaborating with the Hawaii Tourism Authority to offer training, support, and funding opportunities for farmers who are interested in developing a tourism revenue stream. The program collaborated with the Maui Food Innovation Center to pilot a value-added food manufacturing course. It also held a session on Building Value Added Collaborations. These sessions helped build capacity for agritourism operation in the state to help improve business conditions that support farmers. The sessions were designed to provide knowledge that can increase revenue opportunities for farmers, leading to more sustainable local businesses. Objective6: Participate in initiatives that support farmers and address industry issues:GFH participated in multiple initiatives and workgroups that support agricultural businesses in Hawaii. The program developed a marketing opportunity for farmers to connect directly with consumers during COVID-19. GFH is a member of the Hawaii AgHui, a broad coalition of agricultural stakeholders from across the sector and the statethat is convening in response to the destabilization of the coronavirus pandemic,and to forge deeper connections between local agriculture, emergency fooddistribution, and long-term economic planning. The GFH Director also formed the AgTraining Hui, a group of local organizations that provide business support to local farmers. This group finds ways to coordinate efforts and collaborate, when possible. A recent survey of GFH participants and statewide beginning farmer training programs identified, land and mentorship opportunities as significant needs for farmers in Hawaii. To address this: GFH held a workshop on preparing to lease land in Hawaii. GFH collaborated with a local landowner to provide tips and guidance for land lease readiness. GFH collaborated with The Kohala Center to develop a land lease opportunity catalog. A farmer-to-farmer mentorship workshop series was developed to connect established and aspiring farmers. Sessions on scaling, business and production management, organic certification, and military veteran resources were held. The sessions were well received with 100% of survey recipients indicating the sessions met or exceeded their expectations. Program leaders were able to survey participants to determine additional training needs. The sessions were designed to provide knowledge that can increase efficiencies for farmers, leading to more sustainable local businesses.

Publications

Progress 09/01/19 to 08/31/20

Outputs
Target Audience:The GoFarm Hawaii project offers a low-cost educational program for all adult learners who want to pursue a career in agriculture. The project reaches new populations of non-traditional students, including Native Hawaiian and other underrepresented groups who are looking for a direct, focused pathway towards a career in sustainable farming. Additionally, the project will target commercial farmers (at all stages of business development) that are prepared to overcome production and business challenges. Changes/Problems:• Primary change related to COVID-19 which required modifications to training delivery. Increased protocols requiredmore resources and limited capacity. Program participants made personal choices to exit to reduce potential virus exposureor address personal needs. There was increased demand and need for local produce which allowed participants to activelyengage with the community and fill critical needs. Markets in Hawaii changed, requiring farmers to modify distributionmethods. • The program staff was unable to travel to various sites and collaborators were unable to meet in person.Therefore, delivery methods were adjusted to virtual training and meetings. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The primary program goal is to train students, but assume this question relates to the training and development of staff. Withthat in mind, we have sent staff to relevant state and national conferences and workshops including the 2020 Fancy Food Show to increase knowledge about value-added food products and the state agricultural conference. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Regular updates of activities and graduations on social media Booth at ag-related events State Ag Conference Regular meetings with collaborators and funders Regular tours with government and educational leaders Students and program have appeared on community television, radio, local magazine, and newspaper articles Hosted multiple alumni conferences What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Objective 1: Increase the number of commercial farmers in Hawaii: • Continue to offer various GoFarm Hawaii phases to train more beginning farmers. Objective 2: Provide leadership, networking, communication, and other critical skills and competencies to aspiring farmers: • Continue to offer training and opportunities to participants. Objective 3: Improve the financial health of agribusinesses: • Continue to provide consulting and technical assistance services to farmers throughout the state. Promote services through agricultural organizations. Objective 4: Increase business knowledge for agripreneurs: • Offer business education and training workshops throughout the state. Objective 5: Expand revenue streams for farmers: • Continue with support on agritourism and value-added product opportunities. Objective 6: Identify and support important farming initiatives in Hawaii: • Staff will be active members of the Hawaii Ag Hui and the Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawaii.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Goal 1: Increase number of commercial farmers through a non-credit, certificate-based educational opportunity to adult learners interested in careers in commercial agricultural production:GFH provided training and curriculum at six locations statewide. Participants received classroom and field instruction and had access to incubator land and support at three locations. To supplement learning, increase efficiency, and maximize resource availability across all program sites, distance learning tools were introduced. With COVID-19, all classroom sessions were held virtually. Participant counts during the period: Active Cohorts: 11 AgCurious: 255 AgXposure: 91 AgSchool/AgTechnician: 92 enrolled; 53 graduated; 31 active (87% graduation rate; note that several dropped out of class due to COVID-19) AgXcel/AgPro: 49 enrolled; 40 graduated; 6 active (93% graduation rate) Marketed CSA products: 111 students Started farming during the period: 30 Entered agricultural workforce during the period: 19 AgIncubator land used: 22 Goal2: Provide leadership and community-based opportunities for participants:The students were asked to: Participate (and were given opportunities to lead) in group and community-based activities Each AgSchool student and beyond is asked to make presentations about their production activities and business ideas and network to access sales opportunities With COVID-19, students were asked to network with community organizations and support communities in need with fresh produce All AgSchool students worked as a team to complete assignments and market a 3-week community supported agriculture (CSA). Each AgXcel and AgPro independently marketed 7 or 10-week CSA. All AgXcel and AgPro participants did a formal presentation about their production and sales efforts for their cohort members, coaches, and an external evaluation team. Guidance on leadership, networking, professional communication, and community involvement was incorporated in class and annual conference. Goal 3: Increase the financial success of agribusinesses:The GFH AgBusiness Team provided the following consulting services: 85 agribusinesses received consulting services/technical assistance 18 were Native Hawaiian owned businesses Assistance included business plan development, business startup, marketing assistance, feasibility studies, value-added products/agritourism assistance; and financial projection development. Goal 4: Enhance business knowledge for agripreneurs throughout the state:GFH AgBusiness Team provided agricultural business education and training to 1,181 aspiring and existing farmers throughout the State of Hawaii. Sessions included business planning, agritourism, marketing, transitioning a family farm, lending and program options during COVID-19, market opportunities, production planning, and recordkeeping. All were offered one-on-one consulting/technical assistance. Goal 5: Facilitate support for additional revenue streams including value-added agricultural products and agritourism/education:The GFH AgBusiness Team collaborated with the Hawaii Tourism Authority and provided training, support, and funding opportunities for farmers who are interested in developing a tourism revenue stream. A similar initiative is in progress for value-added product education and support. Goal 6: Participate in initiatives that support farmers and address industry issues:GFH participated in multiple initiatives and workgroups that support agricultural businesses in Hawaii. The program collaborated to develop a land lease opportunity catalog. The program developed a marketing opportunity for farmers to connect directly with consumers during COVID-19. GFH is a member of the Hawaii Ag Response and Recovery Working Group, a broad coalition of agricultural stakeholders from across the sector and the statethat is convening in response to the destabilization of the coronavirus pandemic,and to forge deeper connections between local agriculture, emergency fooddistribution, and long-term economic planning.

Publications