Laulima Farm is a biodynamic organic farm on the island of Maui. It produces a vast array of tropical fruits and herbs sold at a roadside farmstand that doubles as café/market/local hangout where customers can enjoy coffee that is grown, roasted, and brewed on site. The name of the farm means “many hands” and it is an important community asset beyond its food-growing role. The farm benefits from the work of volunteers who in turn learn about regenerative farming techniques and Hawaiian cultural practices. It is a gathering place; a market; a nexus for sharing knowledge, skills, and tools; it offers workshops and is a place where members of the community can host their own workshops; and people live there.
Equity Trust partnered with the USDA’s Farm Service Agency to finance the purchase of of the farm when conventional banks were interested in lending only to facilitate development. With the land now staying in farming, the farmer has the breathing room to pursue permanent conservation protections.