Business of Farming Classes Start Aug. 14

Hawaii Community College will offer a series of classes on the business of farming Aug. 14 through Oct. 30 in Honokaa at the North Hawaii Education and Research Center.

The Business Plan Development Training for Farmers class series normally costs $795 but is available for $49 thanks to funding from the US Department of Labor through the Rural Development Project.

The classes will be held Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  The course may require travel to other locations on the Big Island.

The course is intended for local farmers wanting to develop their business skills or people wanting to start their own farm. It covers several aspects of business development for local farmers, including how to develop a successful business plan, marketing, accounting, and practical agriculture production skills.

Attendees will also receive a copy of the Hawaii Island Farmers Guide to Accessing Local Markets. The guide provides detailed information specific to the Big Island on the business aspects of growing food for local markets, as well as crops most in demand. The guide even includes information from local chefs and caterers on how much local produce they purchase per week.

For more information, contact program coordinator James Rushing at 312-498-3716 or jrushing@hawaii.edu.