HFU PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES
FARM APPRENTICE MENTORING (FAM) PROGRAM
The Farm Apprentice Mentoring (FAM) Program is where your farming journey begins by farmers for farmers. FAM is a hands-on, community-rooted training experience that provides aspiring and existing farmers with education, skills, community linkages, and a supportive structure to thrive. Our curriculum integrates Hawaiian cultural practices, regenerative agriculture, and business tools to prepare farmers for long-term success.
Empowering the Next Generation of Farmers in Hawaiʻi
Do you feel called to give back to the ʻāina?
To grow food, care for animals, and restore our ecosystems?
PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
FAM is a signature program of Hawaiʻi Farmers Union (HFU) and its nonprofit foundation, HFUF (501(c)3). Apprentices selected for the program are eligible for a stipend to support participation, earned with 75% attendance and a completed final project. This stipend help offset the time and costs of travel, learning materials, and on-farm work, ensuring the program is accessible to those committed to growing food in Hawaiʻi.
The FAM Program runs as a 10-module curriculum delivered in partnership with UH Maui College’s Office of Continuing Education (OCET) and the Sustainable Living Institute of Maui (SLIM), paired with immersive, hands-on farm experiences. Graduates earn a Certificate of Professional Development and an advanced, applied mentorship with farmer-instructors to refine and implement your farm plan and explore long-term farm viability. FAM apprentices become part of a cohort system that fosters collaboration, support, and shared growth. Each cohort becomes a FAMily—working, learning, and building together.
PROGRAM HISTORY
The FAM program was created in 2015 by the Haleakalā Chapter of Hawaiʻi Farmers Union (HFU) with the vision to empower a new generation of farmers in Maui County. Recognizing the urgent need to support beginning and existing farmers aligned with regenerative values, HFU launched a farmer-led education initiative to build local food systems and sustainability.
In 2016, the County of Maui’s Office of Economic Development (OED) funded a five-month planning process to develop the 10-module curriculum still used today. Built in collaboration with HFU’s board, experienced local farmers, and community educators, the program quickly became a vital pathway for aspiring farmers.
From 10 graduates in 2015 to over 180 apprentices across 9 cohorts by 2025,
FAM has become a statewide model for farmer development.
In recent years, the program expanded to include a Molokaʻi Cohort launched 2022 and a Lānaʻi Cohort, launched 2023. These neighbor island cohorts participate via Zoom for classroom content and meet in-person for localized on-farm training. They also join Maui-based cohorts twice a year for extended learning and connection.
Today, the program is supported by the Maui County Department of Agriculture and continues to align with the State of Hawaiʻi’s goals for food security and agricultural self-sufficiency.
THE COHORT EXPERIENCE
Over the course of 6 months from December - June, FAM apprentices attend evening bi-weekly classes at UHMC and weekend farm visits with over 40 farms throughout Maui County. Each college class is paired with a hands-on farm workshop where concepts come to life in the field. Apprentices who meet attendance and final project requirements receive a Certificate of Professional Development from UH Maui College. The program is designed to give a comprehensive, applied understanding of farming in Hawaiʻi, grounded in the knowledge of local mentor farmers and administrators.
FAM operates as a cohort-based program, proven to foster deep peer connection and support. Apprentices learn, collaborate, and grow together—sharing ideas, helping on each other's farms, exploring sales and marketing strategies, and celebrating food and farming in community. Whether from Maui, Molokaʻi, or Lānaʻi, each apprentice contributes to and benefits from the collective wisdom of the cohort.
WHAT APPRENTICES ARE SAYING
Transformation & Confidence
“Farming before this program felt like something possibly unattainable, after it seems within the realm of possibility. Seeing other Maui people growing food and making a living doing it was inspiring and got my wheels turning on the business side of farming and not just as a hobby.”
Joshua Dukes
Taking Action
“Most definitely will be growing/selling food and flowers. I’m jumping into designing a full fledged farm. This program has given me the tools and courage to do it.”
Erica Lechuga DiSalvo - Cohort 9
Regenerative & Cultural Impact
“I urge anyone into farming to take this program. FAM does a great job at tapping directly into the community... teaching the Hawaiian history and showing us how to directly integrate those practices into our everyday farm lives. The farmers you meet are really farm scientists.”
Naomi Brown - Cohort 8
Knowledge & Resources
“I have so many new perspectives about regenerative agriculture. I feel more confident and capable in beginning my farm journey on my own having the resources provided through this experience.”
Haylee Gilmore - Cohort 8
Community & Connection
“It was one of the most fulfilling times I've had learning things with groups of adults. I have already recommended it to friends.”
Ted Elson - Cohort 9
Sara Gilligan
HFU FAM Program Director
Sara Gilligan brings over 20 years of experience in regenerative agriculture to the FAM Program. With a background in row-cropped organic vegetable farming, fruit trees, native plants, medicinal herbs, and permaculture, Sara is dedicated to cultivating a new generation of farmers in Hawaiʻi.
She holds a BA in Ecological Agriculture and certifications in permaculture and herbalism. Her passion for land-based education and food sovereignty shapes the spirit of FAM.
PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS
FAM is made possible by the collective support of local partners, funders, and the farming community.
Mahalo nui loa to all who contribute to growing Hawaiʻi’s farming future!
Program Partners, Supporters & Funders:
Hawaiʻi Farmers Union (HFU)
Sustainable Living Institute of Maui (SLIM)
The 6 Maui County chapters of HFU
University of Hawai‘i Maui College Office of Continuing Education (OCET)
Maui County Department of Agriculture
The Atherton Family Foundation
Maui County Office of Economic Development (2015–2023)
Mentor farmers and alumni across Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi
STAY CONNECTED
Follow us on Instagram @famprogram for the latest updates, farm stories, and behind-the-scenes from our apprentice journeys. Contact us fam@hfuu.org for more information.