Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, February 2, 2020

NEW FARMER TRAINING is the aim of a bill in the Hawaiʻi Legislature, supported by two of Kaʻū's legislators and Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United. SB2709 would fund a five-year beginning farmers training program to be administrated by the state Department of Agriculture. It was introduced by east Kaʻū Sen. Russel Ruderman and colleagues. Its companion bill in the state House of Representatives, HB1894, was introduced by west Kaʻū's Rep. Richard Creagan and colleagues.

Hawaiʻi Farmers Union encourages testimony to the Hawaiʻi Legislature to support new farmer training. Photo from Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United

     The bill says the legislature find it is necessary to support beginning farmers by partnering with nonprofit organizations, to provide training opportunities. "The legislature further finds that applicable nonprofit organizations, especially those in rural areas, lack sufficient resources to expand existing training programs. The legislature believes that a beginning farmer training program could increase farming in the state, ensure the continued use of well-developed farming methods, and provide for the cultivation of new farming methods."
     The justification for the bill contends that "new and aspiring farmers face a myriad of challenges, including acquiring adequate production, and business knowledge and skills, and accessing the tools necessary to evaluate their resources and develop feasible farming and business plans. However, the State lacks qualified farming method teachers and funding for beginning farmer training. Further, although the United State's Department of Agriculture provides funding for beginning farmers, this funding is limited and unreliable.
     "The legislature believes that the future of the state's farming industry, food supply, and agriculture is reliant upon increasing and diversifying the number of new farmers in the state; introducing regenerative farming methods into the state; enhancing the long-term viability of farm businesses; utilizing and building upon existing beginning farmer training methods; providing opportunities for potential farmers who are socially or financially disadvantaged; and increasing support for beginning farmers who already own or manage a farm, and have farmed for five years or less."

Skills in planting, tending harvesting, and the business of farming would be taught through the new program. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

     The plan calls for implementing "strategies to increase the number of new farmers in the state, with a focus on recruiting low-income persons, disabled persons, and military veterans." It would assist qualified farmer training providers seeking federal and county funding to expand their training offerings.
     The bill defines a beginning farmer as one who is "eligible for training for a maximum of one year; qualifies for Hawaiʻi resident tuition or provides proof that the beginning farmer has been farming for no more than five years; maintains satisfactory academic progress; and demonstrates an interest in pursuing a career in the state's agricultural industry."
     Trainees would learn skills in planting, tending, cultivating, and harvesting various types of crops; and raising livestock and poultry. The training program would teach soil health; agricultural business operations, including workforce issues, regulatory compliance, and general operations; and industry analysis of the agricultural industry and related markets.
     To testify, link to the Senate Bill SB2709 and the House Bill HB1894.

TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY TO APPLY for Mosaics of Science, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's 12-week paid summer internship position. The internship is designed to engage university students and recent graduates with on-the-ground work experience in the National Park Service. A $4,800 stipend is provided and all travel costs are covered, including a week-long career workshop in Washington, D.C. to meet with NPS managers.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

A 4.22 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE shook southeast Hawaiʻi Island at 8:37 p.m. Sunday. The epicenter was 4.35 miles south of Volcano Village. Depth was 4.3 miles. Shaking was felt as far away as North Kona. Immediate "Felt" reports indicated the quake was "light to moderate." No damage nor tsunami alerts were reported as of 9:20 p.m.
     Numerous earthquakes have been shaking the Pāhala and Volcano areas during the last two weeks. See volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/hvo_earthquakes.html.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.