Ka Mea Kanu - The Cultivars
The Vision Behind Ka Mea Kanu
A Fresh Start for Hawai‘i's Agriculture
Hawai‘i is at a crossroads in agriculture. For generations, small farmers have faced steep barriers to success — limited access to land, capital, and markets has prevented many from achieving their potential. At the same time, the demand for fresh, local produce has never been higher.
Ka Mea Kanu is more than a project — it’s a movement to empower Hawai‘i’s underserved agricultural producers. Funded by the USDA, this 5-year initiative is designed to remove barriers and provide lasting solutions for immigrant, refugee, BIPOC, Native Hawaiian, and socially disadvantaged farmers. Together, we are building a more resilient, equitable, and vibrant food system for the islands.
Our Approach
Turning Barriers into Opportunities
At Ka Mea Kanu, we know that thriving farms create thriving communities. That’s why we’ve designed a comprehensive approach to meet the unique needs of Hawai‘i’s farmers:
Land Access:
Our innovative Agricultural Park model and statewide land-matching services connect producers with affordable farmland. By working directly with landowners, we’re creating opportunities for small-scale farmers to grow and thrive.
Capital Access:
Farmers need the right tools to succeed, and that includes financial support. Through partnerships with USDA programs, microloan initiatives, and local lenders, we’re helping producers secure the funds they need to expand their operations and invest in their futures.
Market Access:
Connecting farms to markets is the key to long-term success. By linking farmers with food hubs, wholesale buyers, and shared infrastructure like washing stations and cold storage, we’re ensuring local produce reaches tables across Hawai‘i.
Together, these efforts are reshaping Hawai‘i’s agricultural landscape, creating opportunities for farmers and communities alike.
Who We Serve
Supporting Hawai‘i’s Diverse Farming Communities
Hawai‘i’s agricultural producers reflect the island’s incredible diversity. From immigrant farmers learning to navigate a new system to Native Hawaiian growers carrying on traditional practices, Ka Mea Kanu is here to help all underserved producers overcome challenges and achieve their dreams.
Our initiative is specifically designed to serve:
Immigrant and refugee farmers, including those with limited English proficiency.
BIPOC and Native Hawaiian producers revitalizing traditional farming methods.
Small-scale farmers and women-led agricultural businesses across the islands.
By 2028, Ka Mea Kanu aims to have supported 200 farmers, activated 250 acres of farmland, and deployed over $6M in resources to create a brighter future for Hawai‘i’s agriculture.
Meet Our Partners
Collaboration for Greater Impact
Ka Mea Kanu is powered by the strength of partnership. Pacific Gateway Center leads this initiative, drawing on 50 years of experience empowering underserved communities. Together with Hawai‘i’s top agricultural organizations, we’re creating a support network for farmers like never before:
GoFarm Hawai‘i: Delivering expert technical assistance, land-matching services, and business training for new and growing farmers.
Feed the Hunger Fund: Providing innovative microloans and financial guidance to support sustainable agricultural businesses.
Hawai‘i Good Food Alliance: Building critical connections in the food system to strengthen local markets and increase farmer revenues.
O‘ahu Resource and Conservation Development Council: Advancing sustainable agriculture and natural resource stewardship across Hawaiʻi through technical assistance, farmer networks, and public education.
Each partner brings unique expertise to the table, working together to empower Hawai‘i’s farmers and transform our food system.
Key Services/Support
Ka Mea Kanu provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to help underserved farmers and producers thrive:
Land Access: Assistance in finding and securing farmland through innovative Agricultural Park models, land-matching services, and partnerships with institutional landowners.
Capital Access: Tailored financial support through microloans, USDA financing programs, and connections to local lenders and grant opportunities.
Market Access: Market matchmaking services to connect producers with food hubs, wholesale buyers, and shared infrastructure such as washing, aggregation, and cold storage facilities.
Technical Assistance: Individualized and group training on business development, recordkeeping, financial literacy, and navigating USDA programs.
Farmer Networks: Support for creating and strengthening farmer-to-farmer networks for shared learning and collaboration.
Culturally Inclusive Support: Specialized resources and training designed to meet the unique needs of immigrant, refugee, and ESL farmers.
How to access the project services?
Contact Pacific Gateway Center:
Reach out directly to Pacific Gateway Center to learn more about eligibility and the services available. Our team will guide you through the process.
Attend Workshops and Outreach Events:
Join semi-annual workshops, resource fairs, and training sessions hosted by Ka Mea Kanu’s partners to connect with USDA staff, technical advisors, and other producers.
Apply for Assistance:
Submit an inquiry to be matched with appropriate services, including land access, financial resources, and market connections.
Partner Referrals:
Collaborate with one of our partner organizations, such as GoFarm Hawai‘i, Feed the Hunger Fund, Hawaii Good Food Alliance, or Oʻahu RC&D, to access specialized support.
Contact information:
Matt Johnson
matthew@pacificgatewaycenter.org
Funded by Farm Service AgencyU.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE