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Hawaii Dep't of Ag announces Renewed Funding for Organic Certification Cost-Share Program FY2012
October 1, 2011 - September 30, 2012
Contact:
hdoa.md@hawaii.gov
http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/add/md/OrganicProducers
U.S. – CANADA AGREEMENT FOR ORGANIC TRADE EQUIVALENCE
Contact:
NOP Equivalency Page
Marketing U.S. Organic Foods: Recent Trends From Farms to Consumers
Contact:
USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS) publications.
About/Contact
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HOFA MISSION STATEMENT
HOFA's HISTORY AND PURPOSE
WHAT IS HOFA?
WHAT SERVICES DOES HOFA PROVIDE?
WHO IS HOFA?
WHY IS ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IMPORTANT?
One of seventy-one Kona coffee farmer entries into this year's cupping competition.
One of seventy-one Kona coffee farmer entries into this year's cupping competition.Contact Us
CONTACT US
HOFA MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to protect the life of the land and the health of our communities through education about organic land care practices.
Developing and strengthening certified organic farms enhances Hawaii's many fragile ecosystems and provides a base for a sustainable local economy.
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 Only in the past century has self-sustaining agriculture been replaced by chemically based monoculture and the importation of basic foods.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 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) of 1990. The purpose of OFPA is to set consistent organic production standards nationwide, and to boost consumer confidence in food claimed to be "organically grown." Any produce claiming to be "organic" in the USA must be certified as such by a USDA-NOP accredited certification agency.
What is organic?
Organic production is a system that is managed in accordance with the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990 and regulations in the National Organic Program (NOP; Title 7, Part 205 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations) to respond to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. NOP develops, implements, and administers national production, handling, and labeling standards.
WHAT IS HOFA?
Hawaii Organic Farmers Association (HOFA) is a non-profit membership organization that promotes organic and sustainable agriculture through research, and education.WHAT SERVICES DOES HOFA PROVIDE?
Information & Education:
HOFA offers many publications and resources to assist producers and consumers with tropical organic agriculture. HOFA conducts workshops, conferences and participates in trade shows. Our online Organic Marketplace offers real-time information on organic products and services available in Hawai'i. This tool was developed from the Hawai'i Organic Products Directory first published in hard copy by HOFA in 2007. Read the Honolulu Advertiser's article on the Hawaii Organic Marketplace, 1st edition (Dec. 27, 2007)
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 certified organic 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 three staff administrators to facilitate day-to-day operations of the organization.
WHY IS ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IMPORTANT?
Organic agriculture provides healthy food for people who care. Over the last decades, the use of persistent chemicals in our food systems has resulted in increased contamination of our soil, water, and air. Organic agriculture is one of the fastest growing sectors worldwide, due to a growing concern for the health of consumers, farmers, and the environment.
Organic agriculture respects the balance of a healthy ecosystem by encouraging wildlife, creating plant and animal diversity, building healthy soils, and through the protection and conservation of water resources.
Organic farming is an important foundation for the health and future of all resources on our planet, while developing economic viability and quality of life for our rural communities.
