Growing Farmers

Some of the leading barriers for farmers to increase the local production of food are the lack of access to affordable land, access to water and infrastructure, lack of capital, and marketing and distribution assistance. Growing Farmers is a collaboration with FTHF, the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Richard Ha’s Hamakua Springs, and W.H. Shipman Ltd.  The partnership addresses these barriers by bringing together each partner’s expertise.  Students who graduate from UH Hilo’s Department of Agriculture who also complete business and financial classes are then eligible to lease extremely low cost land from Richard Ha and W.H. Shipman.  They will also receive mentorship, technical assistance, and distribution assistance from these experienced companies. FTHF will provide small loans to the students for start-up capital.  This partnership is an exciting opportunity to help train and increase our next generation of farmers.