Join Us

Why should I join?

  • Stable price

    We guarantee a market for your fruit.

  • Technical assistance

    We provide ongoing training in sustainable production practices.

  • Customized guidance

    Recieve support from leading researchers and agronomists in the field.

  • Marketing

    We take care of marketing, sales, education, outreach, and administration.

  • Community

    You will be part of a community of like-minded producers with shared values.

  • Participating

    Participate in the governance of a new, exciting, local farmer-owned and -operated venture.

  • Food Security

    Work with us to increase Hawai‘i’s food security and sustainability.

  • Collaboration

    Collaborate with other community groups to move Hawai‘i’s food system in the right direction.

  • Earnings

    You will be sharing in the earnings of the business.

  • Taxes

    You will benefit from the single taxation advantage.

Why a cooperative structure?

We determined a co-op structure was the right business model for us because of our primary goal to develop a sustainable breadfruit industry in Hawai‘i that supports farmers and the community. To achieve this vision, we need a large number of small, diversified ‘ulu producers working together to meet Hawai‘i’s demand for nutritious food  (rather than a small number of large plantations). By coming together in a co-op, local producers are able to develop economies of scale, ensure year-round production, attain bargaining power, and leverage each other’s social, economic, political, and other resources to bring the project to fruition and benefit more of Hawai‘i’s communities.

Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative: New Member Application Process

Listed below is the process for applying for membership in HUC; follow these steps to apply.

If you have any questions, please email our Member Coordinator at farmers@eatbreadfruit.com. 

How do I join?

STEP 1

Submit Breadfruit Supplier Questionnaire & Statement of Commitment: Complete, sign, and submit the Breadfruit Supplier Questionnaire and Statement of Commitment – providing basic information about your farm operation and food safety verification as well as acknowledging the responsibilities and duties of membership in the cooperative. Email the completed PDF to farmers@eatbreadfruit.com or mail to the address at the bottom of this page. 

STEP 2

Phone Interview: HUC staff will contact you to schedule a brief phone interview to collect additional information about your farming operation and make a recommendation on membership approval to the Board of Directors, all of whom are farmer-members.

STEP 3

Board Approval: HUC’s Board of Directors reviews all complete new member applications at their bi-montly board meeting.  Within one week of the meeting, you will be notified of the board’s decision regarding your membership application by HUC staff.

STEP 4

Sign & Return Member Agreement: If your application is approved by the Board, you will receive an official Membership Agreement form. Complete, sign, and submit this form by emailing farmers@eatbreadfruit.com or mailing it to the address at the bottom of this page.

STEP 5

Pay New Member Dues – $125 Total: New Member dues include $100 to purchase one share of common voting stock, which is redeemable if you ever leave the co-op, as well as $25 for the first year’s annual member dues. This can be paid by check or credit/debit card.

Please note that if paying by credit card, there is a 3% processing fee and the invoice can be paid online or by coming into one of the co-op facilities. If paying by check, please make checks payable to “Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative” and mail to address below or deliver to any co-op facility.

STEP 6

Receive Membership Materials Packet: Once your member agreement form is signed and dues paid, you will receive a welcome packet including your common stock certificate, HUC organizational documents and policies, and farmer resource guides. You will also be added to the co-op member email list, Facebook page (if desired), and web portal, and receive exclusive invitations to participate in educational opportunities and cost-share programs (eg. fertilizer, crates). Co-op staff will also reach out to support you with one-on-one technical assistance, including annual on-arm consultations and annual tissue/soil sampling.

HUC Mailing Address for All Documents: 79-1017 E Honalo Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740