MFSN BACKGROUND

MFN was founded in 2021 to support small and beginning farmers in Maui County. Initial programming focused on farmer networking and education through one-on-one online coaching and webinars.

In 2022, MFN was funded by a grant from the County of Maui, Office of Economic Development. In 2023, with ongoing support from the County, a grant from Atherton Family Foundation supported the initial steps to create a Tool Library for Small and Beginning Regenerative Farmers on Maui.

As we enter into 2024, MFN is coaching and supporting about 45 farmers on a regular basis. Proudly entering its 3rd year of programming, MFN is supported by funding from the County of Maui’s NEWLY formed Department of Agriculture, and the Atherton Family Foundation.

“We’re focused on helping small and beginning farmers overcome obstacles and achieve their ag production goals.” said MFN Co-Founder and Coach Georgia Pinsky.

The Hawaii Agricultural Census revealed in 2017 that the average age of Hawaii’s farmers was 60.1. Fortunately, over the past 6 years, beginning farmer programs across the islands boast over 500 graduates. On Maui, a powerful new generation of family farmers are learning how to realize their goals of earning a living, increasing local food production, and honoring the ‘aina by using regenerative, climate smart farming practices.

The COVID pandemic, and more recently, the disastrous wildfires have had a profound effect on the agricultural industry. Many farmers suffered crop loss, as well as market loss. These kinds of impacts can be much more difficult for small and beginning farmers to overcome. In addition, many farmers donated thousands of pounds of food to hubs and food banks across the island to assist those in need. Programs like the Maui Farmer Network Farmer Coaching are critical in stabilizing and expanding the Agricultural Industry in Maui County, and across Hawaii Nei.

Farmers in the Hawaiian islands have always had trouble competing with mainland prices. With inflation putting pressure on family budgets, prices are prioritized when making a decision whether or not to buy local. How then can all these bright and inspired new farmers possibly survive and prosper? Fortunately, there are many resources available to bolster farmers in our County.