McCann Farm
About the Farm
Established in 2013, McCann Farms is a family-operated vegetable farm in South Kona, run by Mike and Chalida McCann. Drawing on years of hands-on experience and knowledge shared by fellow farmers, they grow a diverse selection of fresh produce using organic farming practices. Their commitment to healthy soil, careful land stewardship, and high-quality vegetables helps supply locally grown food to farmers markets and businesses across Hawaiʻi Island.
The Challenge
Farming year-round on limited acreage presents ongoing challenges, particularly with pests, plant diseases, and invasive weeds. Mike and Chalida wanted to expand their growing area to allow for better crop rotation and give sections of their farmland time to rest and recover. Although they had acquired an adjoining parcel, the land had been overgrown with invasive trees for decades. The high cost of land clearing, development, and equipment made bringing this additional acreage into production difficult.
How Mālama Da Farmer Grant Helped
Through the Mālama Da Farmer Grant, McCann Farms invested in professional land clearing and mulching services to begin transforming the overgrown property into usable farmland. Grant funding also supported the purchase of a Kubota mower attachment to help maintain the expanded growing area, along with compost and garden mix to support soil preparation and future planting. These investments addressed some of the most significant costs associated with developing additional farmland.
Impact
By clearing overgrown land and investing in essential farm equipment and soil improvements, McCann Farms has taken an important step toward expanding its growing capacity. The additional space will allow Mike and Chalida to introduce more flexible crop rotations, improve soil health, and better manage pest and disease pressure using organic practices. As the new growing areas are developed, these improvements have the potential to increase production, diversify crops, and strengthen the farm's contribution to Hawaiʻi Island's local food supply.
Hear Their Story
Meet Mike and Chalida McCann of McCann Farms in South Kona and learn how they're transforming overgrown land into productive farmland while caring for the soil and growing fresh food for their community.
Video by Nixon Jack
