HAWAI'I FARMERS
UNION
FOUNDATION
OUR
FOUNDATION
In 2016 the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union Foundation (HFUF) was incorporated to support the mission of HFU through educational initiatives, community partnerships, and charitable programs benefiting Hawaiʻi agriculture.
HFUF is the nonprofit 501(c)3 that supports HFU's mission by funding educational programs, community outreach, and sustainability initiatives. It focuses on providing grants, resources, and creating opportunities for the next generation of farmers in Hawai'i. HFUF is dedicated to empowering agricultural communities and fostering regenerative and sustainable practices.
INDIGENOUS
AGRICULTURE INITIATIVES
HFUF supports programs that preserve, strengthen, and expand Native Hawaiian agricultural knowledge, cultural practices, and community-based food systems. This work includes native and canoe crop restoration, place-based learning opportunities, and projects such as the
Kuia Agricultural Education Center (KAEC) in Lahaina. Through these efforts, HFUF helps connect communities to traditional agricultural practices while supporting the next generation of agricultural stewards.
FUNDING FARMERS
HFUF works to increase direct investment in Hawaiʻi's agricultural communities through grants, microgrants, scholarships, equipment support, and producer assistance programs.
The Foundation develops and administers funding opportunities that help farmers, ranchers, fishers, and food producers improve operations, recover from disasters, expand production, and access resources that may otherwise be out of reach.
CAPACITY SUPPORT & EXPANSION FOR HFU
HFUF helps build the organizational capacity necessary for Hawaiʻi Farmers Union to effectively serve agricultural communities across the state.
This includes supporting educational programming, leadership development, workforce development initiatives, and new programs that expand services available to HFU members and Hawaiʻi's broader agricultural community.
DISASTER
RESPONSE SUPPORT
& MAUI RESILIENCE
HFUF plays an active role in
supporting agricultural communities impacted by disasters and emergencies. From wildfire recovery efforts in West Maui to statewide flood response programs, the Foundation helps coordinate resources, distribute relief funding, and strengthen long-term community resilience. HFUF works closely with local partners to ensure assistance reaches producers and communities when it is needed most.
HFUF supports research, education, and collaborative initiatives that help inform agricultural policy and advance solutions that benefit Hawaiʻi's agricultural communities.
Working alongside HFU and community partners, the Foundation helps elevate producer voices and supports efforts that improve conditions for farmers, ranchers, fishers, and rural communities throughout the state.
MARKET
ACCESS
Strong farms require strong markets. HFUF supports projects that connect producers with new customers, strengthen local food systems, and expand economic opportunities throughout Hawaiʻi.
This includes support for farmers markets, institutional purchasing opportunities, producer training, value-added agriculture, and initiatives that help local producers access sustainable and profitable markets.
Building a Stronger Agricultural Future
Through education, grantmaking, partnerships, disaster response, and community-driven programs, HFUF invests in the people and organizations working every day to strengthen Hawaiʻi agriculture.
By connecting resources with community needs, the Foundation helps create lasting opportunities for producers while supporting resilient and thriving agricultural communities throughout the islands.
