The Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture (HIP Agriculture) is a conscious movement of inspired individuals living a model of sustainability through direct engagement with the earth and service to youth and communities.
At the heart of HIP Agriculture is a commitment to personal growth and awakening that empowers individuals to be activated leaders for change.
Located in beautiful, historic North Kohala, HIP Agriculture is a growing community that cultivates a diverse collection of Polynesian crops and operates as an educational site offering sustainable agriculture courses, youth programming, community workshops and events. Through farming and hands-on education HIP Agriculture is pioneering a new paradigm of conscious agriculture that honors indigenous wisdom, food sovereignty and the transformational power of returning to the land.
Our Mission:
To practice and teach ecologically conscious agriculture, empowering individuals and communities to cultivate alternative systems of living that restore human and environmental health.
For HIP Ag, being “ecologically conscious” means being aware of ourselves and our surroundings, and taking responsibility for how our actions impact the environment.
We practice sustainable agriculture and life systems that work in harmony with the natural ecosystem to restore the health of the land, the water and the people. We find the wisdom for these teachings by studying the ways of indigenous cultures, learning from our community and listening to the guidance of the land. Sustainability honors traditional cultural knowledge while moving towards a future of self-sufficiency.
Our Values:
- Being positive stewards of this earth
- The vision that we can make a change
- Holistic approaches to farming and personal growth
- Providing honest, organic foods for our communities
HIP Agriculture is also a project partner with ‘Iole, a 2,400 acre land stewardship project offering opportunities to be immersed in the rich natural and cultural history of Kohala. ‘Iole is owned by the New Moon Foundation (NMF), a values-based non-profit organization with a mission to provide educational & science-based programs. HIP Agriculture supports New Moon Foundation’s mission by providing holistic programs that encourage the practice of their G.R.A.C.E. values:
- Gratitude – A deep appreciation of life in all forms, valuing both its gifts and lessons. This is the foundation for finding joy in our human condition.
- Respect - The practice of awareness and openness to others, new ideas and different perspectives. Respect is the basis for peace and understanding.
- Accountability - Taking responsibility for our actions, thoughts and emotions. Acknowledging our choices and their consequences empowers us to choose again.
- Courage - The discipline to be authentic, honest and act with integrity. Courage allows us to grow and realize our true potential and dreams.
- Engagement – The intention to wholeheartedly contribute our gifts and skills in a way that benefits our communities and natural environments. This is a natural outcome and test of a values-based life.
Find more about New Moon Foundation and their mission at newmoonfoundation.org
Our Background
In 2008, Dash Kuhr and Erika Shickle started farming at Uluwehi Farm, a diversified permaculture farm in North Kohala, Hawaii. With the help of work-trade interns, local high school students, and positive intentions they developed the two-acre organic vegetable, fruit and medicine garden and 15 acre orchard into a thriving community and education space.
Inspired by working with youth, Dash and Erika founded the Hawaii Youth Agriculture Program (HYA), a non-profit under the North Kohala Resource Center. Through HYA and with Uluwehi Farm they hosted farm field trips and tours for elementary schools, created after-school and summer internship programs for Kohala High School students, and collaborated with Honoka’a High School’s agriculture department.
In 2011, with guidance from Vanessa Stone, and dedication from Travis and Eric Dodson, Leslie Nugent and Zoe Kosmas, HYA evolved into the Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture (HIP Ag) to encompass the new farm site and updated education initiatives. Newly located at the Halawa Gulch in Kapa’au, HIP Ag hopes to build upon the equity and awareness of community connections already in place to create a more robust, diverse and structured educational resource and organization for North Kohala, the Big Island, and our global community.
