Join us for a 2-Part Diversified Farm Design Course with Zach Mermel of Ola Design Group on Friday, May 9 and Friday, May 23 from 8 AM to 5 PM at Starseed Ranch in North Kohala. This hands-on course will guide participants through designing resilient, diversified farms using agro-ecological principles. Learn how to assess your site, clarify your goals, develop a personalized farm design, and create a phased implementation plan. Through interactive exercises and real-world examples, participants will gain practical, place-based skills to support productive and adaptable farm systems. Both sessions are required at signup, as each builds on the other.
Part 1 – May 9
Introduction to the farm design process, clarifying your goals for your land, hands-on site analysis, and developing an initial farm design concept. Optional evening session exploring real-world agro-ecological farm systems.
Part 2 – May 23
Creating multiple design options, refining a preferred design, and developing a phased implementation plan.
Date: May 9 & May 23, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Zach Mermel, Ola Design Group
Location: Starseed Ranch, North Kohala
Capacity: Limited to 12 participants
Cost: $250
Free for eligible participants through our USDA 2501 Farmer Training Program, including veteran farmers and those from historically underserved communities.
Part of HIP Agriculture’s LIFT (Local Instructional Farmer Training) Series, supporting farmers and community members with hands-on training and practical knowledge to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s local food systems.
