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Hawaii Organic Farmers Association (HOFA) is a non-profit membership organization that administers organic certification in the State of Hawaii. HOFA promotes organic and sustainable agriculture through research, education, and by providing organic certification services in compliance with the Federal Organic Rule enacted in 2000.
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HOFA's HISTORY AND PURPOSE
Hawaii has a long history of feeding her people with an abundance of wholesome, organically grown food. Only in the past century has self-sustaining agriculture been replaced by chemically based monoculture and the importation of basic foods. Now, in these changing times Hawaii's farmers, and her organic farmers in particular, are again looking to supply a great variety of foods from land and sea to meet the local needs of an expanding health conscious population.
Hawaii Organic Farmers Association (HOFA) was formed in September 1993 in response to the federally mandated Organic Food Production Act (OFPA) of1990. The purpose of OFPA is to set consistent organic production standards nationwide and to boost consumer confidence in food claimed to be "organically grown." Soon any produce in the USA claiming to be "organic" must be certified.
What is HOFA?
Hawaii Organic Farmers Association (HOFA) is a non-profit membership organization that administers organic certification in the State of Hawaii. HOFA promotes organic and sustainable agriculture through research, education, and by providing organic certification services in compliance with the Federal Organic Rule enacted in 2000.
What Services Does HOFA Provide?
Certification:
HOFA is federally accredited to offer Basic Crop, Apiary, Livestock, and Processing/Handling certifications.
Farm Apprentice Program:
HOFA’s Farm Apprenticeship Program is a collaborative arrangement between HOFA certified farms and individuals seeking work trade opportunities on organic farms in Hawaii. The Farm Apprenticeship Program is for people of all ages to learn the basics of sustainable organic agriculture through hands-on experience and instruction.
Information & Education:
HOFA offers many publications and resources to assist producers and consumers with tropical organic agriculture. HOFA conducts workshops, conferences and participates in tradeshows. HOFA has a video, ‘Growing toward the Light’, which showcases Hawaii’s organic farms.
Research:
HOFA collaborates with farmers and researchers on projects pertaining to organic and sustainable tropical agriculture.
Who Is HOFA?
HOFA members are people like you who care about the food they eat and its impact on the environment. Our membership is made up of local organic farmers, distributors, retailers, students, and consumers wishing to support and promote organic agriculture in Hawaii. You do not need to be an organic producer to be a member. Members receive regular newsletters and notices of events, workshops, conferences and seminars.
HOFA is organized with a seven-member volunteer Board of Directors. The Board represents all of the counties in the State of Hawaii. HOFA has two part-time administrators to facilitate day-to-day operations of the organization and maintains an office at 474 Kalinikoa St, # 203 in Hilo. |
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