Welcome to the
Hawai‘i Farmers Union
We are the newest subdivision of the
National Farmers Union,
established 1902.
Email: hawaiifarmersunion@gmail.com
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Welcome to the
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March 24, 2010 - Hawai'i Farmers Union Honored at the Capitol
Senator Mike Gabbard joined with colleagues Senator Clayton Hee,
Senator Dwight Takamine, and Senator Jill Tokuda in honoring the officers
and members of the HFU at the State Capitol. The ceremony coincided with the
celebration of Ag Sustainability Day.
During his speech commending the HFU, Senator Gabbard said, "Mahalo to the Hawai'i Farmers Union for promoting respect for the ‘aina and the pono use of our natural resources while producing fresh foods to feed Hawai'i's people. We value your determination to support our farmers who are the roots of thriving, healthy, and strong communities."
The HFU began in Honokaa and is the newest branch of the National Farmers Union – America’s oldest and most distinguished farming organization – representing nearly 300,000 members nationwide and advocating for family farmers, ranchers, fishers and rural communities since 1902. Last year, the HFU Board of Directors established chapters on four islands and adopted its mission and vision statements. HFU's membership is experiencing an exponential growth rate and anticipates becoming a self-sustaining chapter of the National Farmer Union within 5 years.
Hawaii Senate: Hawaii Farmers Union Honorary Certificate
(L to R) are Travis Overly, Vice President Lydi Morgan, Pamela Boyar, Secretary Ramona Hiilawe Gamayo, Senator Gabbard, Annie Suite, and Jay Ogden.
On
November 13-15, 2009 Hawaii Farmers Union Board of Directors from four
islands convened at Kalopa State Park on the island of Hawaii
for a leadership retreat/summit facilitated by National Farmers Union
Membership Director, Brooks Dailey.
The gathering, held exactly one year after the charter membership meeting in Kona -- and auspiciously, at the beginning of the Makahiki season (a time dedicated to Lono, Hawaiian God of peace and agriculture,) -- was opened with the wisdom (mana'o) and blessing of Hawaiian Kumu Lanakila Manguail.
The weekend provided an opportunity for board members to meet face to
face and discuss organizational logistics and legislative priorities, as
well as adopt mission and vision statements for the organization. A nine
member board consisting of two members from each Oahu, Kauai, Maui and
Hawaii and one member from Molokai was approved. Signing on to Board
responsibilities for the next 2 years are Lydi Morgan, Oahu (Vice
President,) Patti Valentine, Kauai (Treasurer,) and Vincent Mina, Maui.
Eden Peart, Hawaii (President,) and Hector Valenzuela, Oahu (Education
Chair,) will continue for the second year of their terms.
There are currently four open board seats (one each from Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Hawaii.) Board members meet in monthly conference calls, serve as HFU liaisons to their respective islands and chair and participate in committees. A complete description of responsibilities is available on request. Applications and recommendations for qualified and committed board members to fill these seats are being sought -especially welcome are nominations of active farmers and youth, fishers or other underrepresented perspectives. (Please send to lydi_morgan@yahoo.com)
During the weekend, board members identified upcoming priorities including membership recruitment, active engagement in the upcoming Hawaii state legislative session, ongoing monitoring/participation in local, county, federal and even international -- especially Pacific -- legislation and issues relating to National Farmers Union policy. Climate Change, for example continues to be a Farmers Union strategic issue with implications for Hawaii and HFU. On Friday evening, the HFU board participated in the monthly Farm Community Potluck and Seed Exchange held in Honokaa and Brooks Dailey offered an overview of Farmers Union for attendees. New HFU members joined there and also on Saturday evening during a potluck at Kalopa Park that included some singing (in the Farmers Union tradition!) and music as well as discussion on legislative issues and other Hawaii concerns.
December 11-15 will see HFU activity on several islands! December 11 in Honokaa, another monthly Farm Community Potluck and Seed Exchange will be held. On December 12 (also International Day of Action on Climate Change), HFU will host meetings on Oahu and Kauai. A Maui meeting is tentatively planned for December 15. Please see this website for updates and details or call 808 331-3002.
See our new Mission and Vision statements.
December 16th, 2008 - Hawai‘i Farmers Union puts family farms first
HFU was covered by a very nice article in The Hawaii Independent.
November 15, 2008 - Hawaii Farmers Union Charter Membership Meeting
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| L to R; BethAnne Webb, Zach Mermel, Meg Hirano, Eden Peart, Marlene Brown, Vincent Mina, Elroy Juan, Nancy Redfeather, Una Greenaway, Robert David, Michael McNally, George Davis |
Organizing committee members and other attendees nominated and voted in an executive committee including; Eden Peart, president, BethAnne Webb, vice president, Una Greenaway, treasurer, Hector Valenzuela, education committee chair, Victor Mina (Maui liaison,) Elroy Juan board member. Other HFU members have committed to and continue to assume additional roles and establish committees.
While only 1 song was sung at HFU's first meeting, (Farmers Union version of "Solidarity Forever" from the Farmers Union songbook,) Kauai charter member Bonnie Bator has volunteered as HFU songleader and music director and is compiling an HFU Songbook. Her initiative ensures that this Farmers Union tradition will grow and develop in Hawai'i along with HFU !
The next HFU board meeting will be December 21, 2008. Agenda topics include 2009 plans for membership development, legislation and educational outreach.
March 24, 2008 - Hawaiian Producers Affiliate
with California Farmers Union
Member Testifies before Hawaiian Lawmakers
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| NFU President, Tom Buis meets with HFU members on Maui in February 2008 |