Hawaiʻi Institute of Pacific Agriculture
About the Farm
The Hawaiʻi Institute of Pacific Agriculture (HIP Ag) is a nonprofit organization based in North Kohala dedicated to training the next generation of farmers through hands-on education and regenerative agriculture. Through its farm training programs, HIP Ag provides aspiring growers with practical experience in food production, soil stewardship, and sustainable farming practices while helping strengthen Hawaiʻi Island's local food system.
The Challenge
Like many Hawaiʻi Island farms, The Family Farm faces high production costs and the challenge of maintaining productive agricultural land. Located on former sugarcane fields, the farm struggles with compacted, nutrient-depleted soil and invasive weeds that make expanding production difficult.
Organic certification adds another layer of complexity, as conventional herbicides and other synthetic inputs are not an option. The farm relies heavily on mowing and mechanical weed management, while heavy rainfall can wash nutrients from the soil. Without adequate equipment, preparing additional growing areas requires hiring outside contractors, making expansion costly and difficult to schedule around favorable weather conditions.
How Mālama Da Farmer Grant Helped
Through the Mālama Da Farmer Grant, HIP Ag received funding to strengthen its farm operations and support agricultural training. Investments included construction of a secure tool shed, improvements to post-harvest handling and packaging, seeds, soil amendments, and essential farm supplies. Funding also supported farm management, harvest labor, and repairs to a utility cart used in daily operations. Together, these improvements provide the infrastructure, equipment, and hands-on support needed to increase local food production.
Impact
These investments strengthen HIP Ag's ability to train beginning farmers while improving the efficiency of its agricultural operations. Better equipment storage, post-harvest systems, and production resources support more consistent harvests and help prepare locally grown food for distribution. By connecting regenerative farming education with community food access, HIP Ag is helping build a stronger network of growers while supporting local food distribution partners and a more resilient food system on Hawaiʻi Island.
Hear Their Story
Hear from Erika Kuhr and the HIP Ag team about their work training the next generation of farmers, the challenges of building a sustainable agricultural operation, and how the Mālama Da Farmer Grant is helping strengthen local food production in North Kohala.
Video by Nixon Jack
