We have spoken with a number of Hawaii agriculture producers that say they are interested in making and selling value-added products, but are unable to find a certified kitchen to use or rent near them, or feel a little overwhelmed by what the Department of Health requires. In this episode, we speak with Anthony Florig, Program Manager of Hawaii Commercial Kitchens about a program he runs to help address these issues. We review the resources the program has to offer, both in person and online, and get a tour of the Hilo Food Hub’s commercial kitchen space. If you are only listening to this podcast, you’ll be able to understand the essence of the things we talk about, but this is one episode you may want to watch on our YouTube channel to also see the things discussed.

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resilience (CTAHR), and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Resources:

• Hawaii Commercial Kitchens
• Hilo Food Hub
• Hawaii Commercial Kitchens Kitchen Directory
• Hawaii Commercial Kitchens Workshops
• Hawaii Department of Health Food Info
• Hawaii Department of Health Homemade Food Operation
• Hawaii Department of Health Homemade Food Establishment Permit
• Hawaii Commercial Kitchens Resources
• Hawaii Commercial Kitchens Registration
• Hawaii Commercial Kitchens YouTube Channel
• Oahu's Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center

With thanks to Hoʻōla Farms and their Food Hub, Farm-to-Car, and other programs: https://hoolafarms.org/programs/

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

Many Hawaii agriculture producers we speak with feel stressed and a bit confused by the workings of politics and the bills in the legislature. They want to see important changes happen, but are unclear what agriculture-related bills may be in session, or how individuals can be more involved to help things change. In this episode we speak with Hunter Heaivilin, Hawaii Farmers Union’s Advocacy Director and founder of Supersistence to try to get a handle on the state of things in early 2026 and what folks can do to help impact the changes they want to see.

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resilience (CTAHR), and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Resources:

• Supersistence
• Hawaii Farmers Union United (HFU)
• Hawaii agriculture bill tracking and legislative progress
• National Healthy Soils Policy Network
• Our podcast with NRCS
• Our podcast with Hawaii Ulu Co-op

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

Spend enough time around Hawaii farmers and ranchers and you’ll soon hear the name of the Federal agency Natural Resources Conservation Service (or NRCS). You may hear the word "conservation' and not necessarily think that they help agriculture producers, but if you have spoken with NRCS, or to folks that have worked with them, you will wonder why you haven’t reached out to them sooner! To better understand NRCS and what they can do to help, we speak with the Director for all of the Pacific Islands Area, J.B. Martin, and NRCS Outreach Coordinator, Jolene Lau, as well as two Hawaii agriculture producers that have been working with NRCS.

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resilience (CTAHR), and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Resources:

• NRCS Pacific Islands Area Office Home Page
• NRCS Pacific Islands Area Office Staff
• Farm Bill Updates
• June 2025 article about NRCS staff cuts
• Apply by January 15th reminder

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links