Farmers and distributors, are you looking to introduce your produce to Hawai‘i Island schools? The Kohala Center is presenting a series of free workshops next week to acquaint farmers and food distributors with the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). The FFVP provides funding for eligible schools to purchase local produce for snacks.

Glenna Owens, Director of the School Food Services Branch of the Hawai‘i Department of Education, will lead the free one-hour workshops to help local food producers introduce their fresh fruits and vegetables to public schools.

The workshops will be held in:
HILO – Tuesday, May 13 from 4–5 p.m.
WAIMEA – Wednesday, May 14 from 12:30–1:30 p.m.
KEALAKEKUA – Wednesday, May 14 from 4–5 p.m.

Workshops are free, but the Kohala Center asks that attendees pre-register by May 12. For more information and to register, please visit http://ffvp.eventbrite.com or call The Kohala Center at 808-887-6411.

Interested in learning more about natural farming? The following natural farming classes are being offered at Hawaii Community College: Introduction to Natural Farming, Materials Production and Application, Swine Production, and Chicken Production.

Instructor: James Rushing
To Register: Call 934-2700 or come into the HCC office at 1175 Manono St., Bldg. 379A-3, Hilo.

Introduction to Natural Farming
April 19, 10:00a-4:00p AGR1013 $65

Do you know what natural farming is? Have you heard about it, but not sure if its for you? This introductory natural farming course will teach you what natural farming is and why so many local farmers and gardeners are using this unique and sustainable system. We will teach you basic natural farming skills so you can better appreciate the techniques and the reasons why natural farmers use this unique system.

Materials Production and Application
April 26, 10:00a-4:00p AGR1014 $85

Enjoy hands-on learning as you make various natural farming amendments like IMO, Fermented Plant Juices, Lactic Acid Bacteria Solution, and many others. In addition to amendment production, we will teach you where and when to apply natural farming amendments. You will be able to touch and see real natural farming in application. Several amendment samples will be provided for you to take home and use on your own.

Chicken Production
May 3, 10:00a-2:00p AGR1015 $39

Have you heard about natural farming chicken coops? These amazing structures enable farmers and homeowners to produce chickens without any foul odors or flies. You will receive detailed plans and instruction on how to dress the coop with natural farming amendments. Join us in learning how to build a natural farming chicken coop from some of the University of Hawaii’s most inventive agriculturalists.

Swine Production
May 10, 10:00a-2:00p AGR1016 $39

Expose yourself to the ingenious natural farming swine production systems developed by the University of Hawaii, in this hands-on workshop. These sustainable systems have a reputation for providing swine with a more natural living environment completely insect and odor free. Also eliminating all of the troublesome waste management issues associated with current piggery systems. We will show you how to construct a natural farming piggery, provide detailed plans, and show you how the system works in application.