At GoFarm Hawaiʻi, we believe in the importance of building relationships between landowners and farmers. Our primary focus is on facilitating land lease agreements, providing farmers with the opportunity to farm while helping landowners find responsible tenants for their property. If land ownership is the ultimate goal, we can explore additional ways to provide support and resources. Here’s how our land matching program works:
1. Complete Confidential Survey Forms
Both landowners and farmers fill out detailed, confidential forms. These forms will ask for information about land availability, farming goals, location , and any specific land characteristics or requirements (e.g. soil type, water access). All personal and property details are kept strictly confidential and will never be shared publicly.
2. Behind-the-Scenes Matching Process
Our team of experts will carefully review all submissions to find potential matches based on shared goals, land suitability, and farming experience. Using our local knowledge and expertise, we’ll connect landowners with farmers where there is a potential match.
3. Facilitated Introductions
Once a potential match is identified, we’ll facilitate an introduction between the landowner and farmer—without revealing private details upfront. We’ll arrange the first contact to ensure both parties are comfortable before moving forward.
4. Discuss & Develop an Agreement
After an introduction, landowners and farmers can meet in person or virtually to discuss their goals, terms for leasing or partnership, and the long-term vision for the land, and determine whether they want to move forward. Throughout this process, our team will be available to support both parties, helping to analyze pros/cons and providing guidance on creating clear, fair agreements.
5. Continued Support
Once an agreement is reached, we’ll continue to offer resources and support to ensure a successful outcome. This includes access to legal resources, farming mentors, and help navigating the unique challenges of farming in Hawaii.
Why Land Matching Matters in Hawaiʻi
Farmer/Rancher Benefits:
- Access to diverse agricultural lands across the islands.
- Support in navigating Hawaiʻi’s unique climate and crop systems.
- Opportunities to expand operations or grow new or specialty crops.
Landowner Benefits:
- Help continue agricultural use of Hawaiʻi’s ʻāina (land).
- Pass on your farm’s legacy and knowledge via a farm succession plan
- Ensure your land remains actively maintained, preventing overgrowth and keeping it productive.
Community Benefits:
- Strengthen local food systems and reduce reliance on imported foods.
- Build resilience in Hawaiʻi’s rural communities, ensuring food security for future generations.