Welcome to the
Hawai‘i Farmers Union

Join US !
Hawai'i Farmers Union invites your participation in our HFU Inaugural Meeting, Saturday November 15, 2008 @ 2 p.m. {following Hawaii Organic Farming Association's Annual Meeting*}
At the Kona-Keauhou Yacht Club, located at the Keauhou Harbor in Kona
HFU Agenda includes:

• George Davis, California Farmers Union board member, Vice President Community Alliance for Family Farmers, Founding member Redwood Empire Farmers Union, Owner-Operator Porter Creek Vineyards will present on "Farmers Union - Distinguished Among Farming Organizations and HFU Opportunities"
• Identification and Prioritization of Initial HFU Legislative and other Priorities
• Election of Officers

For more information: (808)775-7159

Hawai'i Farmers Union and the Hamakua North Hilo Agricultural Cooperative sponsor:

Farm Community Potluck and Seed Exchanges

 on the second Friday of every other month (October 10, and December 12, 2008)

Held at at Honokaa's historic ILWU Jack Wayne Hall building (on the Waipi'o, makai end of Mamane Street) doors open and seed exchange begins at 4:30, with potluck dinner at 6. Home gardeners, farmers and other community members are most welcome whether you bring seeds, plants or cuttings, or just take some home!
E komo mai kakou, kokua kekahi i kekahi, aloha kekahi i kekahi.
(Welcome! Help each other, love each other!)
Join us in growing community food sovereignty in Hamakua!

Further reading:

• The National Family Farm Coalition (NFFC) Farmer to Farmer Campaign on Genetic Engineering
• An excellent article which  puts food and financial crisis issues into context, Let Them Eat Free Markets: How deregulation fuels the global food crisis

To join: print and send in a membership form.

HFU Member benefits - Be part of establishing the oldest and most distinguished general farming organization - (advocating for family farmers for 106 years!)

• Discounted HFU charter membership rates sponsored by California Famers Union.
•  Free print subscription to NFU News monthly newsletter, and HFU publications as available
• Optional Dental and Vision insurance available
•  Complimentary $1000 life insurance (accidental death or dismemberment)
• Opportunity to join with farmers and family farm supporters in promoting progressive legislation on agricultural and related economic issues backed by NFU's authoritative, grassroots-fed policy

March 24, 2008 - Hawaiian Producers Affiliate with California Farmers Union
Member Testifies before Hawaiian Lawmakers

NFU President, Tom Buis meets with HFU members on Maui in February 2008

The Hawaii Farmers Union recently joined California Farmers Union (CFU) as an affiliate organization and has since hit the ground running. Eden Peart, a farmer from Honokaa, Hawaii, testified Wednesday before state lawmakers in support of legislation calling for a ten-year moratorium on GE taro production.

"Hawaiian lawmakers should pass SB 958, the GMO Taro Moratorium Bill, to ensure that taro, a vital part of Hawaiian culture and heritage, can be sustained in the future. This legislation is a first step in addressing the many concerns farmers have about GMOs," said Peart.

In written testimony, HFU charter member and taro farmer, Ted Kaaekuahiwi stated, "I'm a taro farmer. I was born in Waipi'o and I'm eighty years old. I don't want GMO taro. I don't want any change to the taro we grow in Waipi'o."

"CFU voted to affiliate with Hawaii Farmers Union in order to raise awareness and take action on the GMO issue and other important issues affecting farmers, ranchers and fishermen in both California and Hawaii," CFU President Joaquin Contente explained.