Project Overview
Ho‘ola Farms successfully implemented the Bridging the Gap: Growing Veterans Pilot Program to fulfill its mission of growing Hawai‘i agriculture while serving those who protect our nation. This innovative program leverages the therapeutic and economic benefits of agriculture to support veterans and their families transition to sustainable careers in farming and ranching. Focused on Hawai‘i County (Hawai‘i Island)—home to over 15,000 veterans and the majority of the state’s agricultural lands—the program provided exposure, skill-based training, and a strong network to equip military veterans with tools for success in the agricultural sector.
The program offered a comprehensive suite of activities tailored to meet the unique needs of beginning farmers and ranchers including Intro to Grow Workshops; One-day hands-on workshops at the HVS Market Garden training plot, where participants gained practical experience in operational market gardening; and four-week Groundwork to Grow Cohorts, immersive training sessions exposing participants to operational farms and ranches, led by skill-based agricultural experts.
The inclusion of guest speakers from agencies such as the USDA, FSA, CTAHR, UH Hilo, and Forestry Services provided additional resources and guidance. Access to a robust network of operational farmers, ranchers, and stakeholders to facilitate mentorship and knowledge-sharing allowed participants to continue to connect after program completion.
The Bridging the Gap: Growing Veterans Pilot Program exemplified a holistic approach to addressing veterans' needs while bolstering Hawai‘i’s agricultural sector. By integrating hands-on training, expert guidance, and community support, the program empowered participants to thrive as beginning farmers and ranchers. Ho‘ola Farms is committed to expanding this model, scaling its impact across Hawai‘i and beyond to build a sustainable future for veterans, their families, and the communities they serve. This pilot program’s success underscores the transformative potential of agriculture in healing, economic empowerment, and community resilience, setting a strong foundation for future initiatives.
Number of Participants: 436
Promotional Materials
There are no promotional materials available for this project.
Educational Materials
There are no educational materials available for this project.
Reports & Evaluations
There are no reports or evaluations available for this project.
Describe any unexpected results of the project:
How would you improve the project if you were to do it again?
What were the keys to success for your participants?
Individual Stories / Examples of Success