Welcome to the
Hawai‘i Farmers Union

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

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

Held with the generous cooperation of Hawaii Organic Farming Association, and following their annual meeting, Hawaii Farmers Union convened at the Keauhou Yacht Club on Saturday afternoon November 15, 2008. California Farmers Union board member and biodynamic wine grower, George Davis officially welcomed HFU as the newest subdivision of the National farmers Union, - America's oldest and most authoritative general farming organization. davis emphasized the importance and strength of NFU Policy itself. As the underlying foundation of Farmers Union, the policy is grassroots- membership fed, and is reviewed and revised at each years' annual convention. NFU policy goal is " to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers, fishers and their rural communities." NFU policy speaks to nearly all civic and practical issues and has relevancy for urban citizens as well. Attendees took home printed policy books, and the entire NFU policy is available on line, linked at www.hawaiifarmersunion.org and www.nfu.org

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