About Us
Maui County Farm Bureau is a grassroots 501(c)(5) organization of farms and ranch families, agricultural industries, and associated organizations dedicated to supporting agriculture in Maui County. We are affiliated with both the statewide Hawaii Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Our Mission
To represent, protect, and advance the social, economic, and educational interests of the agricultural community of Maui County.
Our Vision
Agriculture is rewarding, vital, and exemplary part of the economy and lifestyle of Maui County. Agriculture safeguards Maui’s beauty, provides daily food, offers promise to our youth, and honors our heritage.
Fresh and Local Matter
To ensure the well-being of tomorrow’s generations, we need to preserve agriculture today. Together we can make a difference.
American Farm Bureau Federation and Hawaii Farm Bureau are our umbrella organizations, providing us with direct support.
Maui County Council, Office of the Mayor, and Office of Economic Development work with us and the State and Federal Departments of Agriculture on public policy and legislation concerning ag.
Maui Economic Development Board is a non-profit that focuses on developing a diversified and sustainable economy in Maui County.
Maui SWCD: Maui Soil and Water Conservation Districts assist farmers, ranchers, and private land users in making the best use of their natural resources.
College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii, offers scientific and technological research and development as well as educational support.
Maui Invasive Species Committee is a partnership protecting Maui County from invasive plants and animals.
Maui County Farm Service Agency, a USDA agency, administers and manages financial programs to improve the economic stability of ag addressing farm commodities, credit, conservation, and loans.
Natural Resources Conservation Service, also USDA-initiated, offers technical and financial assistance for land owners and managers seeking to conserve soil, water, and other natural resources.
Tri-Isle Resource Conservation and Development Program is a USDA Program organized to improve economic conditions in rural communities while protecting and developing natural resources.
Left to Right: Theresa Thompson, Director; Warren K. Watanabe, Executive Director; Tim Stevens, Treasurer; Kyle Caires, President; Rodrigo “Rudy” Balala, Director; Joshua Shyloh Stafford-Jones, Vice President; Ethan Romanchak, Secretary. Not present: Brendan Balthazar, Director; James “Kimo” Falconer, Director; Bobbie Patnode, Director; Jayson Watts, Director. Photo credit: Steve Brinkman Photography.
MAUI COUNTY FARM BUREAU
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2024 – 2025
Warren K. Watanabe, executive director
Kyle Caires, president
OFFICERS:
Rodrigo “Rudy” Balala, vice president
Ethan Romanchak, secretary
Tim Stevens, treasurer
Directors:
Brendan Balthazar
Bryan Otani
Brendan Balthazar
James “Jimmy” Gomes
Jayson Watts
Matt Keiley
Theresa Thompson
Board of Directors meet first Wednesday of each month except when general membership meetings are held in March, June, September, and December. The general meetings are held on the third Wednesday at the Kula Community Center.
Aquaculture — Marine wild resources are limited. In response, modern research has taken the Hawaiian practice of sustainable aquaculture high-tech. About 100 aquafarms operate statewide. In Maui County, Moloka‘i is home to two marine shrimp farms. Maui Nui has plans for an aquacultural facility. Residents may obtain do-it-yourself aquaponic systems to raise fish and vegetables with a minimum amount of space and start-up costs.
Fruits — Placement of sweet golden pineapples in the global fresh-produce market keeps this Maui landmark company vibrant, allowing it to continue a unique heritage niche for Maui’s ag.
Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company — Maui Brand and Sugar in the Raw are two export products originating from this sugarcane company, founded in 1882 and one of two remaining in Hawai‘i. This specialty sugar business now complements renewable energy resource development, as HC & S is transitioning to aid Maui’s quest for increased energy self sufficiency.
Hawaii AgriTourism Association (HATA) — The Hawai‘i Agritourism Association (HATA) connects farmers and visitors for economic and educational viability, resulting in a supplemental income for the farmer and an enjoyable agricultural experience for all involved.
Maui Association of Landscape Professionals — Estate gardens, resort grounds, and public spaces play a role in keeping Maui green. The Maui Association of Landscape Professionals counts members among nurseries, designers, maintenance companies, installation contractors, irrigation specialists, golf course supervisors, groundskeepers, arborists, gardeners, and educational specialists. Its mission is to educate and to elevate landscape practices. It co-hosts the annual Arbor Day Lawn & Garden Fair and Hawaiian Tree Give-Away.
Maui Cattlemen’s Association — Rooted in Maui’s cultural heritage, the cattle industry dates back to 1793. Maui County accounts for more than 140 working cattle operations. The Corporation was formed to promote and support the cattle industry within the County of Maui and State of Hawaii, and to educate the members on developments and opportunities which may assist them in their operations. Membership in the Corporation shall be available to any persons, firms, or other entities engaged in the cattle business within the County of Maui. The Corporation shall be managed by the Board. Membership of MCA also extends to the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, and to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. In addition, members also belong to the Hawaii Beef Industry Council, an organization committed to the promotion of beef.
Maui Coffee Association — With 40 coffee farms and 4000 acres in crop, coffee production from Maui, Honolulu, and Kaua‘i combined averages about 3.8 million pounds. Moloka‘i has rejuvenated its coffee, and at least 150 acres of new plantings are rooting in Maui Nui. Kula Coffee has become a registered name that guarantees 100 percent purity. Maui Coffee Association promotes the coffee industry on Maui, and offers high-quality seminars.
Maui Flower Growers Association — Flower and nursery products contribute the largest value to diversified agriculture statewide, with reported revenues coming in at over $100 million annually. Maui County is home to about 180 floriculture and nursery operations covering 534 acres. The Maui Flower Growers Association promotes the industry, encourages the sending or giving of Maui flowers, and hosts an annual Flower and Arts Festival.
Maui Onion Growers Association — Sweet Maui Onions, or Kula Onions, grow on about 150 acres on the slopes of Haleakalä and yield 2 million pounds per year. They prove that a good product with unique qualities can have a huge impact, even if small-scale. The Maui Onion Growers Association owns the federal trademark to the names; its label certifies the onions’ authenticity. The annual Maui Onion Festival draws 5000 to 8000 visitors each year.
Maui’s Seed Industry — Biotechnology, roughly defined as the manufacturing of seed crops with new characteristics by way of selective breeding and genetic engineering, is the fastest rising industry in Hawai‘i’s private technology sector. Industry revenues have already grown to at least $70.4 million statewide. Maui County counts at least five seed farm stations, three of which are based on Moloka‘i.
Agriculture is rewarding, vital, and exemplary part of the economy and lifestyle of Maui County. Agriculture safeguards Maui’s beauty, provides daily food, offers promise to our youth, and honors our heritage.
There are many great reasons to join the Maui County Farm Bureau. Members receive direct access to locally applied knowledge of the latest research and cooperative marketing information, educational and networking opportunities, financial services and tools, and affiliate benefits.
Support Ag.
Support Maui.
Join Maui County Farm Bureau
Membership Benefits
Download Membership Brochure
Apply for membership today.
In order to register for membership you will need to sign up via Hawai‘i Farm Bureau. You will become a member of the County in which your farm operation is based.
Monthly Board Meetings
MCFB’s monthly board meetings are open to members. Monthly board meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of each month from 5-7 pm. We will post Zoom Meeting links on MCFB’s website before each meeting. If you would like information about attending, please use the form below to contact us: Mahalo.
Maui County Farm Bureau Membership Benefits:
Financial Services:
Checking/Savings Accounts
IRA’s
Mortgages
No annual fee credit cards
Money Market Accounts
Commercial Auto Insurance
Medical & Dental Insurance Plans
Supplemental Cancer Insurance
Hawaii Farm Bureau Benefits & Newsletter
Free admittance to Hawaii State & County Farm Fairs
Scholarship Programs
Workshops and Seminars
Merchant Discounts (Local & National)
Partial participant list:
MARMAC Ace Hardware
GASPRO
Grainger
EKO compost
United Auto parts/NAPA- Kahului
Lawn Equipment Co.
Irrigation Systems Inc.
Dodge Trucks
Please keep in mind that the benefits list is subject to change as we continue to improve it in collaboration with our allies.
