Ep 49. Voices from the Field: FarmLink with Founder Rob Barreca

07/27/24 • 84 min

If you have lived on Oahu during the COVID pandemic or more recently, then you probably already know about FarmLink. In this episode we speak with its Founder, Rob Barreca about the pre-covid days of this online, local-only food marketplace and how it has grown by leaps and bounds since. We find out how he went from "geek for good" to CEO of an innovative new Hawaii-based company and is now firmly in the role of Chief Technology Officer to ensure FarmLink's success into their promising future.
Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources (CTAHR), and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.
Resources:

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Previous Episode

Ep 48. Voices From the Field: Inner Wellbeing & Support with Joe McGinn

In this episode of Voices From the Field, O'ahu farmer Joe McGinn discusses the challenges faced by Hawaii ag producers, including thin margins, increasing costs, government regulations, and natural disasters. He emphasizes the importance of having a support system, including cultural and seasonal support, courage, and connection to overcome these challenges. Joe highlights the importance of addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of agriculture, prioritizing farmers' well-being, and creating safe spaces for social connection and mental health support.

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Ep 50. Voices from the Field: ʻUlu Co-op with Dana Shapiro

In this episode we speak with Dana Shapiro from Hawaiʻi Ulu Coop who shares her journey from working with local chef Peter Merrimen to facilitate an AgVentures program, to helping found and now manage The Co-op as itʻs Chief Executive Officer on Hawaii island where it all started, We discuss expansion of The Co-op to now include the islands of Oahu, Maui, and Kauai and crops that now include taro, sweet potato and squash crops too.

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources (CTAHR), and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.
Resources:

Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Co-op member farmer site: https://ulu.coop/
Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Co-op product ordering site: https://eatbreadfruit.com
Peter Merriman: https://www.merrimanshawaii.com/peter-merriman/
Dept. of Tourism AgVenture program: https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Hawaii/From-Farm-to-Tableside
Kohala Center: https://kohalacenter.org/
Ho'oulu ka 'Ulu: https://hawaiihomegrown.net/breadfruit
Kamehameha Schools Podcast with SOW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmjtNBOvs6Q
Organic Valley: http://www.organicvalley.coop/
Ulu Co-op Climate Smart grants: https://ulu.coop/5448-2
Ulu Co-op Agroforestry grants: https://ulu.coop/eap

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Seeds Of Wellbeing - SOW - Ep 49. Voices from the Field: FarmLink with Founder Rob Barreca

Transcript

Thao Le00:00:00.000

The information or opinions expressed during the seeds of wellbeing series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, our funders, and any affiliated organizations involved in this project.

Thao Le00:00:26.250

Welcome to a Seeds of Wellbeing "Voices from the Field" podcast, featuring voices of Haw