Farmers Union United Molokai Chapter Grows

HFUU Molokai News Release

Hawaii Farmers Union United (HFUU) is a statewide organization of farm owners, foodies, ranchers, gardeners, perma-culturalists, cultural practitioners, landscapers, suppliers, businesses, and policy advocates that are all part of the local food chain. HFUU is a partner of the National Farmers Union. HFUU asserts that a multitude of smallholder diversified family farms that implement regenerative ecological techniques in growing and raising our food will create a resilient, vital, and productive agricultural system to better feed the people of Hawaii. HFUU represents 15-regional chapters across six Hawaiian islands, including Molokai.

Our Molokai Chapter began on Dec. 17, 2021 initiated by a 10-person group of Hoʻolehua homesteaders after visiting Maui HFUU farms and members. Finding our footing and focus over the first few months, we agreed upon food and farming education and began offering workshops free for members and to non-members for a nominal fee or the opportunity to become members.

Workshops included Vermiculture in partnership with USDA NRCS Molokai office, mushroom cultivation, farm to table chicken processing hosted by President Rufina Kaʻauwai and her ʻohana, and an Apothecary informative. Our Molokai Chapter intends to continue monthly educational workshops as we move into the new year. HFUU also has a Farmers Apprentice and Mentorship program that offers a wide-range of farm education as well as an optional immersion component spending more hands-on time in one area of farming.

As we approach our one-year anniversary, we invite our members to our Annual Membership Meeting/Paʻina on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. at Kualapuʻu Rec Center. We also invite non-members who are considering membership to come and sign up there or contact us ahead of time at molokai@hfuu.org. 

We will also be having our annual elections and are seeking new leaders for two director seats and our secretary seat. If you are interested in serving, please email molokai@hfuu.org with your nomination. We are learning and growing together towards food security for our island.