The Story of One Hawaiian Farmer, Lehia Apana

In a recent interview, Lehia Apana, multi-year Future Organic Farmer grant recipient and co-founder of Polipoli Farms on Maui, Hawaii, recalled her struggle identifying as an organic farmer. Despite using agroforestry and applying organic methods on the farm for many years, Apana speaks of having imposter syndrome and wondering when she and co-founder Brad Bayless could call themselves farmers. Their journey is not unlike that of other young farmers across the United States or even of young professionals in the first five years of their careers.

We've gone from totally surviving off [native] plants to importing most of our food,” says Lehia Apana, cofounder of @polipolifarm

Meet The Next Generation Chipotle A Future Begins

CCOF Blog

He Aliʻi ka ʻĀina, He Kauwā ke Kanaka (The Land is Chief, Man is its Servant) - KĀHULI, SEEING WITH HAWAIIAN EYES & KEEPER OF THE BAY, HIFF

The importance of traditional Hawaiian food systems after the Lahaina blaze

The importance of Hawaiian food systems - FoodPrint

A national award helped Polipoli Farms stay open, now they want to give back

Finding Their Roots, Polipoli Farms

Finding Their Roots, Polipoli Farms

Honoring Three Upcountry Women — Makawao History Museum

Join our Native Hawaiian Regenerative Farming Revolution!

Ohana Farm Parcels introduces land opportunity for local farmers

Meet The Next Generation Chipotle A Future Begins

Young Farmer Grant Recipients – National Young Farmers Coalition