RES 487 Draft 01 2024-2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Project Information * 39. Project Title EXHIBIT A 'Ulu Agroforestry Producer Education and Technical Support 40. Project Start Date 03/30/2026 41. Project End Date 06/30/2026 42. Please select all areas of Hawaii Island where the project will be administered, delivered, and implemented. Hamakua Puna South Kona 43. Please select the district of the Council Member from which you would like to apply for Contingency Relief Funds. Council District 1 *44. In 2,000 characters or less, describe the project. The HawaPi'Ulu Cooperative's (HUC) Membership Department serves as a bridge between Hawaii farmers and the cooperative, and as a connector among'ulu agroforestry producers across Hawari. Federal United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding cuts in 2025 eliminated nearly $1 million in funds over the next three years that had been dedicated to supporting Hawari's'ulu agroforestry producers through technical support, educational workshops, one-on-one farmer consultations, and regional producer meetings to build engagement and community at the local level. Requested funds will help fill the gap left by federal cuts, resulting from the termination of two USDA programs —Climate Smart Commodities and Regional Food Business Center —by providing resources to deploy at the district level. These funds will support strategic facilitation at regional farmer meetings, alongside targeted education and technical support, to strengthen farmers' production capacity. Collectively, these activities will help strengthen and scale the local agricultural economy. The activities supported by these funds include regional farmer meetings and ongoing educational outreach, described below. Regional Meeting: Each year, the cooperative hosts in -person farmer meetings at different agroforestry sites in select regions across the state to bring together farmers (both co-op members and non-member producers) and staff. These meetings provide opportunities to understand farmers' needs .and challenges specific to the area, share best practices and updates, engage growers, and foster relationship -building within the district's agriculture community. Lessons learned at these meetings, whether through formal surveys or informal discussions, also guide the cooperative's plans for supporting'ulu farmers in the region. Education: Throughout the year, the HUC Membership Department develops educational resources to support'ulu production, food safety, and sustainable farming in Hawari. *45. 501(c)(3) Mission Statement The SHAC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to support the growth of Hawari agriculture, agribusinesses, and skilled labor development through grant servicing and technical expertise. The project team includes four experienced staff and board members with deep roots in Hawari agriculture and business management, bringing complementary expertise in grant administration, program management, financial oversight, and agribusiness industry operations. * 46. In 1,000 characters or less, explain how the 501(c)(3) is connected to the project. By funding the proposed project, the County of Hawari is investing in a proven model of integrated agricultural development that centers farmers as changemakers in rebuilding HawalTs food system. Through regional meetings, education, and technical support, SHAC and HUC will partner to build capacity in the local farming workforce and strengthen civic engagement and cooperative ownership, driving forward place -based, community -driven solutions that foster economic and environmental resilience.