Join the Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative

Why should I join?

Members of the Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative receive these benefits:

• Stable price and guaranteed market for their fruit
• Technical assistance and ongoing training in sustainable production practices 
• Customized guidance and support from leading researchers and agronomists in the field
• Marketing, sales, education, outreach, and administration is all taken care of
• Being part of a community of like-minded producers with shared values
• Participating in the governance of a new, exciting, local farmer-owned and -operated venture
• Helping to increase Hawai‘i’s food security and sustainability
• Collaboration with other community groups to move Hawai‘i’s food system in the right direction
• Sharing in the earnings of the business
• 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.

How do I join?

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 kyle@eatbreadfruit.com. 

 

STEP 1: Submit Breadfruit Supplier Questionnaire & Statement of Commitment: Complete, sign, and submit the Breadfruit Supplier Questionnaire - providing basic information about your farm operation and food safety verification; and the Statement of Commitment - acknowledging the responsibilities and duties of membership in the cooperative. Email both completed documents to kyle@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 kyle@eatbreadfruit.com or mailing it to the address at the bottom of this page. 

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, cash 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 5: 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