Many of us want Hawaii to be more self-sufficient — growing and eating locally grown food. Farming in Hawaii takes a lot of akamai hard work, skill and, of course, land and water. Do you wonder whether you are up to the task?
Learn about marketing, security, networking and cooperatives, or just meet farmers and other experts at a series of classes offered through GoFarm Hawaii at Leeward Community College.
Here are some questions to ponder before enrolling:
» Are you looking for a career or supplemental income in sustainable farming?
» Do you want to play an active role in the sustainable, local food movement?
» Do you recognize the benefits of a regional food system that fosters ecological and social health?
The GoFarm program is seeking to turn the AgCurious into the AgProducer, with an innovative model that attracts potential farmers and develops them into commercial producers.
With a science-based curriculum that ranges from production and business topics to hands-on responsibilities, the program provides knowledge, experience and confidence needed for those with no farming experience to commit to becoming farmers and increase their likelihood of success.
The innovative program has attracted more than $1.2 million in federal, state and private funding and in two years has trained 120 people, graduated 44 people and produced 13 commercial farmers.
Upcoming courses include:
» AgCurious: 5:30 to 8 p.m. March 26, Leeward Community College, GT building, Room 105
This free introduction is for everyone; attendance is required to enroll in GoFarm Hawaii at Leeward Community College. Learn about the programs, AgXposure and AgSchool, from GoFarm alumni. Application forms for AgXposure will be available. Email at linne@hawaii.edu or call 265-2936 to confirm a spot.
» AgXposure: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays from April 11 to 25, free, Leeward Community College; attendance at AgCurious is required.
Hands-on learning experiences on educational and research farms. Be prepared to get dirty!
» AgSchool: 4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays from May 7 to Aug. 15, $320, Leeward Community College; attendance at AgXposure is required.
This 15-week, hands-on, comprehensive program covers all aspects of the business and science of sustainable farming, specifically designed for beginning and aspiring farmers. Participants manage their own growing site and learn from University of Hawaii professors, extension agents and other specialists on topics including propagation, business planning, soil fertility, crop nutrition, varietal selection, irrigation design and food safety. Participants leave with a certificate of professional development.
For more information, contact coordinator Lynne Constantinides at 265-2936 or email linne@hawaii.edu.
For other GoFarm classes at Leeward, Windward or Kauai community colleges, visit www.gofarmhawaii.org.
Heidi Leianuenue Bornhorst is a sustainable landscape consultant specializing in native, xeric and edible gardens. Reach her at heidibornhorst@gmail.com.
