Oahu RC&D strengthened a growing network of businesses in the Hawaii Women Farmers Network (WFN) by spurring the adoption of managerial record keeping and benchmarking to reduce financial risk. Participating farm businesses explored smart ways to inform their decision-making and align financial models with evolving demand.
Through a 6 month cohort training program, female producers in Hawaii connected with peers and national technical experts, creating a supportive learning environment in which all could inspire and hold each other accountable to self-directed goals. Case studies from participating farmers were recorded and a high-quality educational video and instructional guide was produced and made available as part of an online training tool for a wider audience of beginning and small-scale producers. Targeted distributions to beginning farmer training programs along with digital outreach via internet, social media and e-newsletters encouraged action and increased understanding from an average of 3,5000 producers and agriculture professionals, targeting the 792 members that participate in our Women Farmers Network (WFN). Utilizing the power of story through video, over 4,672 viewers in Hawaii increased their awareness of the expertise of women farmers who have successfully implemented cost of production tools to support business decision-making and increase their farm income.