2026 Intro to Grow Schedule
Intro to Grow workshops are offered throughout the year on a variety of topics. Some workshops are free; others on specialty topics may have a small registration fee. Read the details for each workshop before registering. Space is limited to 20 participants per workshop. Please only register if you can commit to attending.
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ʻOhana Day at Hoʻōla Farms
Every 4th Saturday | 9:00–11:30 AM
Hoʻōla Educational Ranch · Hilo, Hawaiʻi
A free monthly morning on the farm for Veteran families and their keiki. Each session includes a nature walk, animal feeding, a hands-on gardening activity. Open to Veterans, Veteran spouses, and Veteran family members with keiki ages 0–12. Space is limited to 8 families per session.
2026 Dates:
September 26 · October 24 · November 28
PDF Flyer
Intro to Grow: Mulch and Pest Management
Saturday, September 12th, 2026 | 9:00–12:00 PM
Hoʻōla Educational Ranch · Hilo, HI
Join Tony Vera of Mayan World Farm for a hands-on morning workshop on how to make your own mulch and manage pest in your backyard garden.
Open to Veterans, beginning farmers, and community members. No experience necessary – just bring your curiosity and a willingness to grow. This workshop is free to attend. Space is limited, so register early to save your spot!
Intro to Grow: Starting a Food Business in Hawaiʻi + Hilo Food Hub Tour
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 9:00–11:00 AM
Hilo Food Hub · 555 Kalanianaole Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
Free
Thinking about expanding or starting a food business in Hawaiʻi? Join us at the Hilo Food Hub for a free workshop covering what you need to know before you launch, whether you need a commercial kitchen, and how to get permitted.
Featuring Anthony Florig of GreenKine LLC and Hawaiʻi Commercial Kitchens, this workshop will cover:
- Overview of Hoʻōla Farms programs and the Hilo Food Hub
- How to start an agribusiness in Hawaiʻi
- Food Establishment Permits and Dept. of Health requirements
- Commercial kitchen requirements and access
- Food Handler Certification
Open to Veterans, beginning farmers, and community members — especially those exploring food production or value-added products. No experience necessary.
Intro to Grow: USDA Resources for Hawai’i Island Farmers and Producers
Thursday, September 24th, 2026 | 4PM – 5PM
Format: Zoom
Cost: Free
Confused about which USDA programs actually apply to your farm? Join us for a free, one-hour session where we break down the loans, disaster assistance, and conservation funding available to Hawaiʻi Island farmers and producers, plus how to prepare for and recover from disaster. We’ll also share an overview of Hoʻōla Farms programs and how we support farmers and Veterans across the island.