Mālama Kauaʻi has provided Kauaʻi farmer support for over 15 years, hosting a variety of programs, events, workshops, and grant programs. Our current programs are designed in direct response to our farmers’ needs and interests based on our 2017 Kauaʻi Farmer Survey, annual Kauaʻi Farmer Focus Groups in 2020 and 2021, and Kauaʻi Farmer and Rancher Needs Assessments in 2023. We also provide fiscal sponsorship and grant writing/management services for small farming groups on Kauaʻi – such groups have included Moloaʻa Irrigation Cooperative, Kalaleʻa Anahola Farmers Hui, and Waiʻoli Valley Taro Hui.
Current Mālama Kaua‘i Programs & Resources for Farmers:
KauaiLocalFood.com Sales Channel – MK provides local aggregation and distribution services for residents as well as commercial accounts; providing marketing and distribution services for farmers
Kauai Farm News e-newsletter – an email newsletter providing ]resources such as grants, educational programs, special events, and more for Kauai farmers
Other Kauai Farmer Support Resources:
GoFarm Hawai‘i – GoFarm offers educational programs and free AgBusiness consulting with business planning, marketing, financial analysis, and other guidance.
Small Business Development Center – Hawai‘i SBDC provides professional business advice, research and training to business owners and new entrepreneurs.
CTAHR Cooperative Extension Service – CTAHR’s CES program providing science-based information and educational programs in agriculture, natural resources, and human resources. Services include individual consultations, soil testing, and sharing agricultural research.
Kaua‘i County USDA Farm Service Agency – Provides a variety of farm programs, grants and loans including Organic Certification Reimbursement, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, and more.
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) – Offers a variety of reimbursement programs for conservation-related projects on ag land, including agroforestry, irrigation improvements, & more.HDoA Agriculture, Aquaculture & Livestock Support Services –
Kaua‘i Food-Based Farming Associations:
Hawaii Farmers Union United, Kauai Chapter
Kauai Cattlemens Association
Kauai Beekeepers Association
Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers Association
Rules & Regulations Info:
Kauai Farmworker Housing Policy