DHHL promotes subsistence-agriculture leases and local extension programs on Molokai

Lewa Abrigo, DHHL agricultural program specialist, described the department’s approach to subsistence-agriculture leases and the supports available to beneficiaries who receive agricultural lots on Molokai.

Abrigo said subsistence agriculture leases are intended for household food production and stewardship of the land rather than commercial farming. "You need to grow something," she said, while noting a farm plan is helpful but not required and that DHHL no longer requires cultivation of two-thirds of a lot. She emphasized partnerships with organizations that offer technical assistance, grants and hands-on training.

Kyle Franks, the DHHL extension agent on Molokai, outlined extension services and past programs: multi-cohort training on production and market systems, value-added workshops, a demonstration farm funded in part by a County of Maui grant, a food-forest/agroforestry program and regular workshops (about one per month) including an integrated pest-management workshop scheduled for June 11. Franks said future programs will include a tailored orchard curriculum with an application process and limited enrollment.

Abrigo and Franks encouraged beneficiaries to reach out to DHHL and extension staff for hands-on help planning farm designs, mapping water, and identifying crops and fencing options.