Hawaii Farm Bureau

It's time to bring out your sweaters because fall has arrived! 🍂 With the cooler weather, it'll be the perfect time to indulge some persimmons from our local producers.

Persimmons are typically in season between September and October, but this can change due to the weather, pests, and diseases.

CRB Webinars 💻 August 7th & 8th from 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Join CTAHR and their Cooperative Extension to learn about the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB).

Webinars will cover general information about CRB including their life cycles, hosts, impacts, and current management. In addition to this information, the Cooperative Extension will go over Hawaii Island specific information. Although, there will be some area specific information, anyone is able to attend.

Happy 4th of July from the Hawaii Farm Bureau! 🎆 Have fun and safe celebrations.

Don't forget to grab local produce from a farmers' market or supermarket. 🍽️

Cheers to longer days and warmer nights! 🌻 It's the first day of summer.

🚨 Reminder 🚨 Members, don't miss your chance!

The deadline for the 2025 Ag Innovation Challenge is quickly approaching - June 15, 2025. If you, or someone you know, is interested in applying, don't hesitate!

This challenge is a national business competition with the aims to support startup companies who are developing innovative solutions that address challenges faced by farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

To apply, you must be a member of any state Farm Bureau. However, your headquarters/primary operation must be located in the same state you are a member of.

Learn more at: https://buff.ly/3vnpjoh

Thinking of getting an organic certification? Or need to renew your certification? 🌿

The USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting applications for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Through this program, eligible applicants may receive up to 75% of their certification costs paid between October 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024.

📅 The deadline to apply is October 31, 2024.

Learn more at their website https://buff.ly/3KbTaEi

Exciting news! 📢 The is accepting applications for the Diesel Replacement Rebate (DRR).

This program is available to businesses looking to replace medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (including tractors ) with zero-emission vehicles. A rebate of up to 45% will be available for the zero-emission vehicle, including one charging unit per vehicle. 🚜

Don't miss out on this 💰 opportunity! Click here to learn more: https://buff.ly/3UhWiUG

Celebrating National Banana Day with the greatest bunch out there 🍌

Grab some locally grown bananas from our Wednesday evening Honolulu Farmers' Market, tonight, at the Neal Blaisdell Center.

Welcome spring! ☀️ We are excited for longer days, new harvests, and blooming flowers.

Congratulations to Will Lydgate and Lydgate Farms from Kauai County Farm Bureau. Their cacao received gold at the 2023 Cacao of Excellence Award Ceremony in February. 🏅

They are among three Hawaii cacao growers who received this award in 2023. The other two recipients include Green Farms Hawaii and Maui Kuia Estate - Reserve.

📸 Elana Tough (with Elana Tough Photography)

You know that on your farm or ranch, you can’t afford to be idle. Fortunately, your HFB member benefits with Deere Rewards gives you access to Platinum 1 savings of up to $300 on compact utility tractors. Combine the savings with other offers and discounts, and keep your farm moving! 🚜 https://buff.ly/2P9fXYi

A big mahalo to all of our participants at the 2024 Ag Day at the Capitol last week. Your dedication to supporting local agriculture greatly contributed to the success of the event. Let's go and grow. 🧑‍🌾

We will see you all next year!

The best car rental deals in the U.S. are better when you’re an HFB member! Go to https://buff.ly/47d5rkY to save up to 35% off using Pay Now and take advantage of other limited-time promotions when available, such as complimentary rental class upgrades, 10% off weekly rentals, and more!

Join us for the highly anticipated 2024 Ag Day at the Capitol! 🌿 This annual event highlights the agricultural community here on the islands.

Our event will be hosted today, February 8th, 2024 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.

The Hawaii Farm Bureau (HFB) and the Hawaii Cattlemen's Council (HCC) were honored to be a part of Governor Green's press conference on the update on Act 90.

Act 90 focuses on transferring pastoral and agricultural lands from the Department of Natural Resources (DLNR) to the Department of Agriculture (DOA).

Press Conference: Thursday, January 18, 2024

Earlier today, Future Farmers of America (FFA) students presented a progress update on the Kahua Pa'a Mua Grant-in-Aid awarded in 2023 to state legislators. This program aims to revitalize and strengthen agricultural programs within public high schools.

HDOA has opened the application window for its Compost Reimbursement Program. Applications will be accepted until May 1, 2024, or until funding runs out.

Through this program, agricultural producers and landscaping operations can receive reimbursement of up to 50% of the expenses incurred on compost purchases (including transportation costs) made from July 1, 2023, to May 1, 2024.

Click to learn more: https://buff.ly/3SbN1g5

Modern tools and technology have revolutionized agriculture, but not everything on the farm needs to be brand new and high-tech. While using your Hawaii Farm Bureau savings at , check out how these tools have stood the test of time. 🔧 https://buff.ly/3vbDBYI

Farm Fact Friday: Bananas are one of the top 20 agricultural products grown in Hawaii. 🍌

There are several banana varieties grown on the islands. Some varieties include Hawaii Apple, Ice Cream, and Williams bananas. However, Apple bananas are at the forefront.

Cheers to new adventures and memories in the year ahead. 🥂 We hope you all had a safe New Year's celebration last night.

As a reminder, our office will be closed today, Monday, January 1st. We will be returning tomorrow, Tuesday, January 2nd.

As 2023 is nearing its end, we reflect on the resilience of Hawaii agriculture captured through a camera lens. 📸

Here's to celebrating Hawaii's agriculture. We look to capture more extraordinary moments in the upcoming year.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season filled with love and laughter! 🎄 Don't forget to support local businesses this holiday season.

In observance of Christmas Day, our office will be closed today, Monday, December 25th. We will be returning tomorrow, Tuesday, December 26th.

Last week's early Christmas celebration on Maui was filled with joy, laughter, and aloha spirit. 🎄 We hope your upcoming holiday celebrations are filled with fun and happy memories.

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) recently announced livestock producers in Honolulu and Kauai Counties can apply for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). Through the program, producers can receive compensation for grazing losses due to drought.

The deadline to apply is January 30, 2024.

Contact your local FSA office for more information. You can reach the Honolulu County FSA at (808) 861-8538 and the Kauai office at (808) 245-9014 ext. 104

📢 Calling local producers, processors, co-ops, and distributors 📢

The Hawaii Department of Education needs information on available produce, protein, and packaged foods during school sessions. Through the information gathered, it'll help them develop a Request of Proposals (RFP).

To learn more click: https://bit.ly/rfi-hidoe-school-meals-2023