In this episode we speak with Dana Shapiro from Hawaiʻi Ulu Coop who shares her journey from working with local chef Peter Merrimen to facilitate an AgVentures program, to helping found and now manage The Co-op as itʻs Chief Executive Officer on Hawaii island where it all started, We discuss expansion of The Co-op to now include the islands of Oahu, Maui, and Kauai and crops that now include taro, sweet potato and squash crops too.

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources (CTAHR), and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Resources:

• Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Co-op member farmer site: https://ulu.coop/
• Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Co-op product ordering site: https://eatbreadfruit.com
• Peter Merriman: https://www.merrimanshawaii.com/peter-merriman/
• Dept. of Tourism AgVenture program: https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Hawaii/From-Farm-to-Tableside
• Kohala Center: https://kohalacenter.org/
• Ho'oulu ka 'Ulu: https://hawaiihomegrown.net/breadfruit
• Kamehameha Schools Podcast with SOW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmjtNBOvs6Q
• Organic Valley: http://www.organicvalley.coop/
• Ulu Co-op Climate Smart grants: https://ulu.coop/5448-2
• Ulu Co-op Agroforestry grants: https://ulu.coop/eap

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

If you have lived on Oahu during the COVID pandemic or more recently, then you probably already know about FarmLink. In this episode we speak with its Founder, Rob Barreca about the pre-covid days of this online, local-only food marketplace and how it has grown by leaps and bounds since. We find out how he went from "geek for good" to CEO of an innovative new Hawaii-based company and is now firmly in the role of Chief Technology Officer to ensure FarmLink's success into their promising future.

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources (CTAHR), and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Resources:

• FarmLink
• Olin Lagon
• Holy Cow bar in San Francisco (archive)
• Compost Cab
• GoFarm Hawaii
• Petal Mettle Flowers
• Kamehameha Schools Mahiai Matchup
• Ulupono Initiative
• Elemental Excellerator
• Local Orbit software
• Delivery Biz Pro software
• Shopify web platform
• DaBux SNAP/EBT Discounts
• Ma’o Farms
• Hawaii Banana Source
• Kamehameha Schools Podcast with SOW

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

In this episode of Voices From the Field, O'ahu farmer Joe McGinn discusses the challenges faced by Hawaii ag producers, including thin margins, increasing costs, government regulations, and natural disasters. He emphasizes the importance of having a support system, including cultural and seasonal support, courage, and connection to overcome these challenges. Joe highlights the importance of addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of agriculture, prioritizing farmers' well-being, and creating safe spaces for social connection and mental health support.

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

In this episode we aim to address some of the common legal questions raised by the Hawaii agriculture producers we have met. We are grateful to Cat Taschner, co-founder of the nonprofit Business Law Corps in Hawaii. At a recent meeting with the University of Hawaii’s “AgConnect” course, she addressed questions she often hears and agreed to share an edited version here. She discusses topics like legal structure, liability waivers, contracts, online taxes, where webinars and templates for common legal documents are available, and how to sign up for free 30 minute calls to answer specific questions.

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources (CTAHR), and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Resources:

• Business Law Corps
• Free Legal Consultations
  • MCBL Hawaii
  • HTDC
• Restart Hawaii webinar series
• DPP guidance related to camper vans:
  • Staying in a vacation van or recreation vehicle (RV) on a lot is considered camping.
  • Camping is allowed as a part of outdoor recreation. (“Recreation Facilities, Outdoor” means permanent facilities for active outdoor sports and recreation, other than golf courses. Typical uses include: parks, playgrounds, botanical gardens, golf driving ranges, tennis courts, riding stables, academies and trails, and recreational camps.)
  • Outdoor recreation requires a conditional use permit (except in the Resort District). CUP available only in the P-2, AG-2, Country, business and business mixed use districts. Outdoor recreation is not an allowable use in the residential, apartment or industrial uses.
• Food Truck Permit Resources:
  • https://www.honolulu.gov/rep/site/csd/csd_docs/Food_Truck_Infomation_Mar_2022.pdf
  • https://health.hawaii.gov/san/files/2013/05/how-to-start-a-mobile-FE-0617.pdf
• DCCA Hawaii Business Express
• US Federal Trademarks
• Contact Business Law Corps
• The YouTube version of this podcast with slides

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

It has been said that the nine most terrifying words in the English language are “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.” but in our episode with Buddy Nichols from the US Department of Ag’s Farm Service Agency, there is nothing to fear! Listen as we talk about their loan program that may be the first place you want to look for loans as an ag producer, and we also speak about FSA’s role related to the Maui wildfires.

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources (CTAHR), and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Resources:

• USDA Farm Service Agency website
• Podcast about microloans through Kohala Center
• Podcast about Steward Lending and Feed the Hunger
• Podcast with American AgCredit and GoFarm
• Podcast with Kamehameha Schools about Food Systems
• Buddy Nichols' contact information: (808) 214-1739 or richard.nichols@usda.gov

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

On this episode of Voices from the Field, Andrea and Matt Drayer join us to share their journey into farming, and the deep meaning and value it brings to them. Listen in to learn how they navigate challenges in both farming and their personal lives.

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

Vincent Kimura joins us on this episode of our Voices From the Field podcast series to share the value of story telling and sharing information across generations. His wealth of knowledge and experience helps paint a well-round image of how farmers can overcome some of the challenges they face through connection, community building, and knowledge sharing.

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

Joining us on this inspiring episode of Voices From the Field is Tony Vera. Tony is the founder of Mayan World Farms and shares with us how farming has helped him on his personal journey of recovery, and the deep meaning and value it provides him and his family.

To connect with Tony and learn more about Mayan World Farms, including information about up-coming events and where to purchase their produce, visit their Facebook and Instagram page: Mayan World Farms on Facebook and @MayanWorldFarmsHI on Instagram.

Mahalo Tony for sharing your story with our listeners.

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links