With the help of the Trust for Public Land, MA‘O Farms acquired 11 acres of farmland to add to its existing 5 acres in Wai‘anae's Lualualei Valley. Besides healthy produce, the model certified organic farm grows young leaders and promise for a sustainable future. MA‘O is an acronym for mala ‘ai ‘opio, which means "the youth food garden."

MA‘O’s produce is sold at health clinics, farmers' markets, natural food stores, restaurants (Nobu’s, Roy’s, Alan Wong’s and Town), and MA‘O was chosen to be a local supplier for Whole Foods. In addition to being a leading practitioner of sustainable agriculture in Hawai‘i, MA‘O is also in the business of youth development. The bulk of the MA‘O work force is comprised of young adults from the Wai‘anae community. Interns work on the farm 20 hours a week and are given a $500 monthly stipend and a tuition waiver to Leeward Community College. Currently, there are 25 YLT interns of which a high percentage are Native Hawaiian and first generation college attendees. The addition of the 11-acre Takahashi Farm parcel will allow MA‘O Organic Farms to increase its  productivity and educational programs.  

Learn more about MA‘O Farms at www.maoorganicfarms.org.