Lokelani Ohana Receives $9,500 Biodynamic Farming Grant

The Camphill grant provides Lokelani Ohana with the means to create a water tank that will store kuleana water that will be filtered for a drip irrigation system in times of low water flow and storm conditions that make the water unusable for the drip irrigation. Photo courtesy of Lokelani Ohana

By Sonia Isotov

Lokelani ‘Ohana, a Wailuku-based nonprofit serving the developmentally disabled, recently received a $9,500 grant from the Camphill Foundation.

The funds received from the Camphill Foundation will go towards the construction of two water tanks that will support a year-round irrigation system at its biodynamic farm. Biodynamic farming is a type of organic farming founded by Rudolf Steiner in the 1920s.

Biodynamic farming emphasizes the use of manures and composts and excludes the use of artificial chemicals on soil and plants. This form of ecological, or sustainable farming, also emphasizes fermented herbal and mineral preparations for compost additives and field sprays.

The Lokelani Ohana is a non-profit dedicated to community building with adults who have developmental disabilities and currently serves 60-100 people weekly on their farm and thru their weaving day programs.

Camphill is a worldwide movement that offers transformative living experiences for children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities. The communities practice the principles of Rudolf Steiner and anthroposophy, in which people with and without disabilities strive together to reach their full potential.

Grants from the Camphill Foundation support special projects, capital improvements and capacity building programs at 14 Camphill communities in North America and around the world. The Lokelani Ohana is just one such community.

“The recipients of our grants are undoubtedly exceptional communities whose anthroposophical mission continues to have a tangible, transformative impact on our society,” said Camphill Foundation’s Executive Director Shelley Burtt. “Our Foundation is proud to recognize them. It is our hope that these grants will help position them for long-term growth and enable them to generate an even greater impact in the years ahead.”