The Hawaii Congressional Delegation announced $1.6 million in federal funding today for Ma‘o Organic Farms in Waianae to build a new processing and training facility.

The funds, which come from the Economic Development Administration, are expected to create 200 jobs in Hawaii.

“Agriculture is part of Hawaii’s history, and this funding will help it be part of our future, too,” said U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz in a press release. “It gives Ma‘o Organic Farms the resources to carry out its mission and enhance farming operations in Waianae, and that’s going to create jobs and create a stronger industry overall.”

Ma‘o Organic Farms co-founder Gary Maunakea-Forth started 16 years ago on just five acres with a handful of college interns, he said, and now farms 25 acres, producing almost 100 tons of organic food per year and supporting hundreds of youth on a path towards a college career.