Mālama Da Farmer Grant Awardees
Meet the farmers and ranchers behind Mālama Da Farmer! From small family farms to growing agricultural businesses, these dedicated producers are helping strengthen Hawaiʻi Island's local food system. Explore their stories and discover how the grant is helping them grow, overcome challenges, and care for the ʻāina.
More Farmer Stories Coming Soon
We're continuing to share the stories of Mālama Da Farmer grant awardees across Hawaiʻi Island. Check back as we introduce more of the farmers and ranchers strengthening our local food system.
Kanalani ʻOhana Farm
Meet Kanalani ʻOhana Farm in South Kona and discover how Mālama Da Farmer supported investments in organic farm production, harvesting, and processing.
Mauna Kea Trading Company
Mauna Kea Trading Company is an off-grid organic farm in Kaʻū, Hawaiʻi Island, growing diverse crops while honoring the land's agricultural heritage. Through the Mālama Da Farmer Grant, the farm invested in infrastructure, equipment, and growing supplies to strengthen production and long-term sustainability.
L & L Livestock Company
L & L Livestock Company is a grass-fed beef operation in Hāmākua, Hawaiʻi Island, focused on responsible land stewardship and local food production. Through the Mālama Da Farmer Grant, the ranch invested in fencing infrastructure to expand managed grazing and strengthen Hawaiʻi's local beef supply.
Dam Fine Farms
Dam Fine Farms is a family-run hydroponic farm in Keaʻau, Hawaiʻi, growing fresh, nutritious vegetables for the East Hawaiʻi community. Through the Mālama Da Farmer Grant, the farm invested in greenhouse repairs, water catchment, and irrigation improvements to strengthen local food production.
Ola Mahina Gardens at Kealaola Farm
Ola Mahina Gardens at Kealaola Farm is a women-led certified organic farm in Kealakekua, growing fresh produce for West Hawaiʻi. Through the Mālama Da Farmer Grant, the farm strengthened its infrastructure, supported production, and addressed challenges from invasive pigs and rising operating costs.
Peaceful Farms
Peaceful Farms is a regenerative farm on the Hāmākua Coast integrating lychee orchards and livestock. Through the Mālama Da Farmer Grant, the farm is working to expand production, improve infrastructure, and strengthen Hawaiʻi Island's local food system.
Hoʻōla Honey
Hoʻōla Honey is a Native Hawaiian ʻohana-run farm in North Kohala dedicated to protecting honey bees, cultivating traditional Hawaiian food and medicinal plants, and strengthening local food systems. Through the Mālama Da Farmer Grant, the farm invested in fencing, land preparation, and new plantings to protect and expand production.
Hawaiʻi Institute of Pacific Agriculture
The Hawaiʻi Institute of Pacific Agriculture (HIP Ag) supports beginning farmers through hands-on agricultural education and regenerative farming practices in North Kohala. Through the Mālama Da Farmer Grant, HIP Ag strengthened farm infrastructure, improved post-harvest operations, and supported the people growing food for Hawaiʻi Island communities.
Family Farm
The Family Farm, Inc. is a longtime certified organic farm in Hāmākua growing apple bananas, lychees, rambutans, turmeric, and purslane. Through the Mālama Da Farmer Grant, the farm is investing in agricultural equipment to improve soil preparation, manage weeds, and expand local food production.
Derek von Gnechten
Derek von Gnechten operates a hydroponic farm in Mountain View, growing fresh green onions and cilantro for Hawaiʻi Island communities. Through the Mālama Da Farmer Grant, the farm is expanding greenhouse production and rainwater catchment capacity to strengthen local food security.
Ancient Leaf Tea
Ancient Leaf Tea is a family farm near Onomea Bay dedicated to regenerative agriculture and growing tea, tropical fruits, and locally grown food. Through the Mālama Da Farmer Grant, the farm received personnel support to strengthen agricultural operations and advance its vision for sustainable agroforestry and increased local food production.
A Coffee Farm
A Coffee Farm is a 30-acre coffee farm in Kaʻū working to strengthen its production, processing, and business operations while building greater recognition for locally grown Kaʻū coffee.
Adaptations
Puna-based organic farm growing specialty vegetables, herbs and medicinal crops while integrating sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and complementary medicine.
Aloha Spirits of Hawaiʻi
Family-run Keaʻau sugarcane farm preserving Hawaiian heirloom cane varieties and expanding local sugarcane production.