Windward Community College will be hosting an informational session open to the public for people interested in learning about farming as a viable business opportunity in Hawai'i. Participants will hear from expert farmers on the challenges and rewards of farming while assessing their individual readiness to farm. 
Ag-Curious Information Session
Thursday, October 11, 2012
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Hale Akoakoa 105
Free Parking
Register by October 11 at gofarm@hawaii.edu.
“Approximately 85–90% of our food supply in Hawai'i is imported, and with an aging farming population we need to start preparing and supporting the next generation of farmers to cultivate a thriving agricultural industry in Hawai'i,” shares Dave Ringuette, Professor of Agriculture at Windward CC.
FarmStarter Hawai'i is a comprehensive and practical training program build around the real-world needs of tomorrow’s farmers. The program’s goal is to train successful growers with a viable business plan thus creating a sustainable farming populous to benefit not only the farmer, but also the greater community.
This program is in partnership with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, and is made possible with the support of C3T Hawai'i, a $24.6 million dollar grant awarded to the University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges through the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration. The C3T Hawai'i grant targets certificate and degree programs specific to the three areas of agriculture, energy and health industries.
Participants will have a complete pathway to obtain the skills and education necessary for high-wage and high-skill employment through the educational component. Coupled with employer outreach, C3T participants will have the highest possible likelihood that their educational obtainment will be tailored to available employment opportunities.
For details, please come to the information session or contact Dave Ringuette at 808-236-9265.