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September 18, 2024

Maui County Climate Resilience Farmer Training Program Receives USDA Grant to Revitalize Rural Businesses and Climate-Proof Farmland

September 18, 2024 – A new chapter of regeneration is unfolding for farmers in Maui County! Regenerative Farms, Inc. has been awarded a $52,264 USDA Rural Business Development Enterprise Grant to launch the Maui County Climate Resilience Farmer Training Program. This year-long, grant-funded initiative offers free hands-on training and support to help local farmers build climate-resilient businesses while restoring the health of their land. Running through September 2025, the program is designed to help farmers, wildcrafters, and entrepreneurs from across the county develop profitable ventures that thrive in harmony with nature.

In collaboration with our local partner, the Malamalama Sustainability Center, the program will integrate indigenous knowledge and island stewardship traditions, allowing participants to cultivate climate-smart businesses that not only thrive but also protect their livelihoods from environmental threats like wildfires.

Growing Resilience Through Local Traditions

Mary Johnson, CEO of Regenerative Farms, expressed her excitement for the program and its potential impact on the community:
“Maui County has so much potential with its rural traditions, incredible people, and rich landscapes. Our aim is to support local families in transforming their dry, fragile farmlands into a source of pride, prosperity, and resilience. We’re planting the seeds for a stronger, more sustainable food system that will benefit Maui’s future.”

A Wide Range of Learning Opportunities

This program is for everyone, from seasoned farmers to those just starting out. Participants will have the opportunity to explore diverse pathways, including:

• Resilient forest farming: Cultivating valuable crops such as herbs, mushrooms, fruit, nuts, and natural fibers
• Wildcrafting and herb processing: Harvesting wild plants and creating marketable herbal products
• Regenerative livestock grazing: Enhancing animal health and productivity while improving land fertility
• Restoration ecology & tree planting: Learning terraformation techniques like earthworks to capture rainwater, rehydrate the land, and support healthy ecosystems
• Nature-based enterprises: Creating land restoration ventures, ecological tourism, or culturally significant businesses rooted in sustainability

“This project is for anyone passionate about the land—whether you’re interested in forest crops, grazing operations, or something entirely new. We’ll be there every step of the way, from starting up to scaling your business. And we’ll connect you with grants, infrastructure, and community support to ensure long-term success,” Johnson added.

Building Long-Term Resilience

The Maui County Climate Resilience Farmer Training Program aims to do more than just educate—it’s designed to spark change. By fostering economic opportunity through regenerative practices, the program will create new green jobs, improve food security, and breathe new life into Maui’s agricultural landscape.

“This is more than a training program. It’s a catalyst for change that uplifts families, strengthens communities, and restores the environment. We’re planting seeds of hope across our islands for a more resilient future,” Johnson said.

Join Us in Cultivating a Brighter Future

The training is open to everyone, regardless of prior experience. We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate the needs of all participants. Women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ communities, and non-English speakers are especially encouraged to join and take part in shaping Maui’s agricultural future.

If you’re passionate about the land and ready to create a sustainable, profitable business while helping to restore Maui County’s ecosystems, this is your opportunity!

For more information, visit www.regenerativefarms.org or contact Mary Johnson at mary@regenerativefarms.org.

Let’s build a community of regenerative enterprises and restore Maui County’s farmland resilience! Please share with your network.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Your support can help us continue to fight child hunger and build resilient communities in coal country in Appalachia, Maui County Hawaii, and worldwide. By donating to Regenerative Farms, you contribute to a future where every child has access to nutritious food and a safe, resilient and restored environment.

Thank you for being a part of our journey to end child hunger with regenerative farming and, innovative ecosystem restoration solutions. Your support is invaluable in making this vision a reality. Together, we can plant the seeds of hope and ensure a brighter future for children and their families everywhere.

Help us spread the word among friends, school groups, teams, and churches. Together, we can create a future where women farmers can survive and flourish. Share our stories on your social media and connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.

Ways to give to Regenerative Farms to Support our work and the Hubs run by our Partners:

DONATE by credit card via Paypal or Venmo

Call 413.475.0864.

Mail checks made out to Regenerative Farms to: 1230 West Rd. Ashfield, MA 01330.

Other ways to give:

Support our work through your donor-advised fidelity fund with this link or Donate through Guidstar.org and see our profile or suggest us to your favorite 1% for the Planet company

Trust and Transparency are Important to Everyone. Our non-profit Employer ID number is 86.2475402. Verify our MA Attorney General’s charity registration details here. Our latest audited financials and IRS 990 forms are available on our website and upon request.

Stay tuned for more updates and exciting opportunities to get involved. Together, we can drive meaningful change!

Thank you for your unwavering support.

Sincerely,

Mary E. Johnson, Founder/CEO

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