Meeting for Specialty Crop Farmers Scheduled
Landowners growing or wanting to grow Christmas trees and other specialty crops are invited to attend the Specialty Farmer Business Training Workshop on Friday, Oct. 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hilo Yacht Club.
The workshop is free of charge but seating is limited.
Small Business Development Center Hawaii Business instructors will conduct the workshop, which is part of the ‘Āina Mauna Christmas Tree Demonstration Project and topics will be applicable to those interested in growing or selling Christmas trees as well as other agricultural crops. The Specialty Farmer Business Training Workshop will be filmed by Big Island Television.
The ‘Āina Mauna Christmas Tree Demonstration Project involves importing and propagating seed and outplanting fir seedlings on Hawai‘i Island. The project’s goal is to show that Douglas fir is suitable for Hawai‘i production and to establish protocols and methods to create top quality Christmas trees that can compete with the imported trees in our local markets.
Providing Hawai‘i with locally-grown Christmas trees will support import replacement and promote the “Buy Local, It Matters” message.
Specialty Farmer Business Training Workshop funders include State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture and the US Department of Agriculture—Agricultural Marketing Service.
To reserve your seat, email [email protected].
For more information, contact HFIA Executive Director Heather Simmons at (808) 933-9411 or email [email protected].
About Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association
Established in 1989, Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association is a nonprofit corporation founded by and for people committed to managing healthy and productive forests. As Hawai‘i’s recognized forest industry trade association, HFIA, through education, planning, information exchange and advocacy, encourages the responsible growth of Hawaii’s forest industry. HFIA programs promote healthier forests, increased business and more jobs within the forestry sector.
HFIA has a diverse membership of over 250 individuals, and public and private corporations including woodworkers, landowners, sawyers, foresters, growers, environmentalists, government officials and others interested in the organization’s goals and mission. HFIA promotes a balance of forest land uses ranging from protecting and restoring native forests to managing commercial use tree farms.