Originally known as the Agribusiness Incubator Program (AIP), the program was formed in 2003 at the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH CTAHR). Designed to support the business needs of Hawaiʻi’s local agriculturalists, the program provided one-on-one business consulting and technical assistance to agricultural producers throughout the state.

In 2012, a group of professionals from the University of Hawaiʻi met to discuss the need for a new kind of beginning farmer training program for Hawaiʻi – one that had a science-based curriculum, included rigorous hands-on and business training, and was open to all willing adults – the kind of program that would prepare the growing population of those who were interested in farming with the knowledge, experience, and confidence to contribute to Hawaiʻi’s food security and economy as production farmers. With increasing momentum and excitement, GoFarm Hawaiʻi beginning farmer training program was launched later that year. 

As a UH CTAHR program, GoFarm Hawaiʻi has grown to become one of the largest and most successful beginning farmer development programs in the country.  This is a testament to many hands and minds, and the tremendous support of our partners.