Ma Ka Hana Ka Ike Building Program a Nonprofit organization located in Hāna, Maui a district also referred to as East Maui that spans 35 miles from the historical land divisions of Koʻolau to Kaupō. Hāna is one of the most remote regions of Hawaiʻi. With NAAF funds this organization will create a tiered apprenticeship program, Onipaʻa ʻo Mahele. This project will engage multiple paid Native Hawaiian farmer apprentices (ages 14-24) and unpaid Native Hawaiian community producers in advanced agricultural training over two years. The program includes workshops, professional development, mentorship, and technical assistance. Apprentices and producers will have access to agricultural resources at Mahele Farm to gain knowledge specific to Hāna’s micro-climate. The tiered, mentor-led apprenticeship program has a successful two-decade record. Paid apprentices are high school interns and graduates of Hāna School working full-time for advanced training. The project addresses two main challenges in Hāna: inadequate pay for farming and lack of access to land and equipment. It aims to help aspiring Native Hawaiian farmers overcome these barriers, particularly those from low-income households without family businesses or land.
© Native American Agriculture Fund 2018 
About Company
The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) provides grants to eligible organizations for business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services to support Native farmers and ranchers.
The charitable trust was created by the settlement of the landmark Keepseagle v. Vilsack class-action lawsuit. NAAF is the largest philanthropic organization devoted solely to serving the Native American farming and ranching community.