The Hawaii Ag-Tourism Association (HATA) been awarded a $25,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide technical assistance to farmers and ranchers in the Ka’u district. The Rural Business Enterprise Grant is part of a USDA program to promote economic development in rural areas.
The Hawaii Ag-Tourism Association (HATA) been awarded a $25,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide technical assistance to farmers and ranchers in the Ka‘u district. The Rural Business Enterprise Grant is part of a USDA program to promote economic development in rural areas.
“We’re overjoyed to be awarded this grant, because it will allow HATA to bring its ag-tourism development program to the Ka‘u District,” said Lani Medina Weigert, HATA president. “Farmers who desire to diversify their incomes can now have the technical assistance and support to make a tremendous economic impact on their bottom lines.”
The year-long program will start in September and will include initial farm assessments, a series of workshops, development of business and strategic plans, on-site evaluations and website support. Most of the participants are leaseholders on land owned by Ka‘u Farm and Ranch Company, but the program is open to any farmer or rancher in the Ka‘u District.
“I am excited at the prospect of working with HATA to provide the skills and technically training that will boost economic development through ag-tourism and value-added activities in the Ka‘u District,” said Chris Manfredi, Ka‘u Farm and Land manager, in a letter of support for the project.
Weigert reported that similar HATA training projects are in the works with the Kamehameha Schools Land Division and through the Hawaii County Office of Economic Development. Interested parties should contact her at lani@hiagtourism.org.