THE NEEDS OF MAUI’S NEW FARMERS

As MFN surveyed Maui island farmer training program graduates in 2021, 2022 and early 2023, they found that 92.3% of the 40 farmers polled were socially disadvantaged and 77% were women! In each of its’ yearly surveys, the farmers polled expressed a need for:

• Access to tools and equipment used infrequently, but necessary such as a chipper to create wood chips made from pruning trees on their own farms

• Help with access to land as leases in 40% of cases had become untenable

• Navigation of the USDA Farm Service Agency loan programs

• Assistance in record keeping, marketing, processing and distribution

• 95% expressed the value they reap from being a part of a farmer support network.

• 100% said they want to provide ongoing food security for their families and their community, but need help in how to grow more food on limited acreage using regenerative methods

• 90% said they would participate in a food hub (aggregation and distribution facility)

• 60% have or had a need for Hawaii Department of Health required wash/pack facilities

• Fencing to keep out invasive animals