Growing resilience: Workshop series supports small farms, community-based agriculture

HIP Agriculture’s Growing Resilience series kicks off this weekend with a day dedicated to soil health at the HIP Agriculture Farm.

Join the regenerative farm and educational organization committed to sustainable food production, youth education and community building for a hands-on session from 9 a.m. to noon for a field day exploring practical tools for building healthy, resilient soils through composting, biochar and cover cropping.

“Whether you’re managing a farm, tending a backyard garden or simply interested in soil health, you’re welcome to join!” said the farm’s invitation to its Growing Resilience kickoff.

Those who participate will learn the foundations of healthy soil through demonstrations and discussion.

The HIP Agriculture Farm is located at 52-4838 ʻAkoni Pule Highway in Kapaʻau.

Register online for the first Growing Resilience workshop.

The Growing Resilience workshop series continues each weekend in June, providing participants hands-on learning rooted in soil health, agroforestry, stewardship and local food production in Hawaiʻi.

Those who attend will discover together practical ways to build resilient farms and stronger local food systems through field days, demonstrations, farm visits and talk story sessions.

Each workshop is designed to share real-world knowledge that supports small farms and community-based agriculture.

Learn alongside local farmers, educators and community leaders including Anissa Lucero, Redfeather and Radovich throughout the series.

Upcoming workshops

Traditional Agroforestry and Seed Stewardship

• 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 13
• Māla Kaluʻulu Farm and Kawanui Farm, South Kona
• This South Kona field trip features visits to two inspiring farms. Participants will learn from Anissa Lucero at Māla Kaluʻulu Farm about traditional agroforestry methods, staple crops and cooperative farming practices. Meet longtime seed saver and founder of Hawaiʻi Seed Growers Network and Hawaiʻi Public Seed Initiative Nancy Redfeather at Kawanui Farm.

Agroforestry Field Day

• 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 20
• HIP Agriculture Farm, 52-4838 ʻAkoni Pule Highway, Kapaʻau
• Learn practical agroforestry techniques for improving soil fertility, increasing biodiversity and building long-term farm resilience. This field day will include a farm tour, chop-and-drop demonstrations, outplanting techniques, propagation and discussion

Vegetable Production for Hawaiʻi Growers with Ted Radovich

• 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 27
• Kohala Village Hub Barn, 55-514 Hāwī Road, Hāwī
• Join University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa professor and Extension Specialist Radovich for a practical workshop focused on successful vegetable production strategies for Hawaiʻi growers. Topics will include seed selection, crop rotation, fertility management, irrigation recommendations and production best practices.

Whether you’re an aspiring grower, experienced farmer, homesteader, or simply curious about regenerative agriculture, you are welcome to attend, no matter your experience level.

Registration for the other workshops and a full schedule of events for the rest of the month are available online.

Email to programs@hipagriculture.org for additional information and with any questions.