Hāmākua Harvest is a multi-faceted agricultural hub providing a community-based platform for collaboration, innovation, and vitalization of the Hāmākua region’s rural economy. The project’s integrated activities will include a farmers’ market; farm share program (CSA); demonstration and working farm; full-service retail nursery; a compost production facility; a roadside market for fresh, locally grown produce and value-added products; a learning center disseminating sustainable farming information, a value-added processing facility and a renewable energy house.
Each aspect of the project will incorporate a significant educational component designed to teach and inspire local youth and adults of all experience levels. Classroom-based and hands-on programs will be designed to help preserve the region’s agricultural roots, augment its contemporary rural character, and demonstrate specific farming and land management methods appropriate for its unique resource base.
Hāmākua Harvest is a locally based, hybrid organization comprised of a 501(c)(3) non-profit as well as a for-profit entity with both community-owned and privately owned elements. This strategic framework will increase the project’s viability and efficacy while fostering local entrepreneurship. Each entity is distinct but integrated with the other. Both will utilize innovative green technologies to enhance resource conservation and model sustainability.
Guiding Principles
Hāmākua Harvest will be informed by, and operate under, the following set of guiding principles.
Mālama ʻĀina – To care for and nurture the land so it can give back all we need to sustain life for ourselves and our future generations
Hāmākua Harvest will model how the ‘āina (land), and its responsible stewardship, is the foundation of both the community and the economy.
We will model the principles of sustainability in as many ways as possible throughout the project by practicing excellent land stewardship that leads to continuous improvement in soil quality, erosion control, and moisture retention, as well as modeling appropriate alternative energy strategies and farm-wide energy-conserving practices.
Kaiāulu – Community
Hāmākua Harvest will create a place of beauty and a source of pride for the local community and will always strive to meet the community’s needs.
Naʻauao – Knowledge
Hāmākua Harvest will provide learning, teaching, and mentoring opportunities for all age groups and skill levels.
Information about best farming practices will be disseminated to all who are interested and to as wide a circle as possible, encouraging all participants in the local community to collaborate, share, and build upon our best community knowledge.
Holo leʻa – To be successful and to assist others in their success
Hāmākua Harvest will be an economically self-sustaining example of successful farming entrepreneurship. We will provide 18 to 20 stimulating and well-compensated jobs that will include cross training, leadership responsibilities, and communication skills. Our programs will assist others to become part of a growing community of skilled farmers who are highly appreciated and fairly compensated.