Farmers Union to Host 8th Annual Conference

The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United will host their eighth annual HFUU Conference from Oct. 26 to Oct. 28 at Oko‘a Farms in Kula.

This year’s conference will feature educational presentations on soil health, cover crops, raw milk production, airlift aquaponics, low cost mushroom production, and essential oil distillation. There will also be panels on ‘Ulu, Hemp, and agricultural technologies relating to marketing and water sensors for crop production. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a plant and seed exchange and a ku’i demonstration.

In addition to over 60 presentations from 30 presenters, the conference will include a vendor services exhibition of local value added products, soil amendments, as well as viewings of short films on soil health followed by a discussion with a panel of soil health experts. There will also be evening line dancing and live local music by local farmers, including Pat Simmons and Jr. Paul Izak and Friends.

HFUU President Vince Mina described the conference as, “A provocative exploration and celebration of agriculture with something for everyone who values the culture of local agriculture.”

Membership is required to purchase an all-access weekend pass. The HFUU is encouraging non-members to purchase a membership, which costs $50 for individuals and $100 for an ʻohana of four.  Attendees can register for one day or all three days of the conference. Major supporters of this year’s conference include the National Farmers Union, Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture, Ulupono Initiative, Smart Yields, Center for Food Safety, Kamehameha Schools, and the County of Maui Economic Development.

Anyone interested in attending the conference can register online.