Why you might have nosy neighbors, 👂🏠


So many farmers feel their right to farm is being challenged. Here's why and what you can do.	View in browser

Got pilikia (trouble) with the community about your farm? Try this.

Many people are generations removed from growing food for a living. They haven’t had a farmer in their family in decades and don’t understand some of the basic farming practices.

Despite recent efforts to grow more good locally, Hawaii still imports more than 90 percent of its food from off island. This makes it difficult for people to get to know farmers and the challenges they face, which can lead to misunderstandings or even conflict.

Perhaps a neighbor has asked about how you fertilize your crops or control pests on your land. You may have received a complaint about noise or smells associated with your operations. Or you may have been criticized about how you care for your animals.

Farmers can be hesitant to engage with neighbors or community members about these issues because they fear the situation might blow up, making things worse.

Mediators can work with farmers to help address right-to-farm issues like these, but you also can learn how to talk about your farming practices so that your neighbor feels heard, possibly resolving things on your own.

How to defuse a tense conversation

1. Listen and Ask Questions

Before you share any facts, help the person feel heard and show you understand their concern.

“I haven’t heard that before, where did you get that information? Can you tell me more about why this is important to you? Have you experienced this firsthand?”

2. Restate What They Said

People like to know that you understand them. Let them know by repeating what they shared.

"It sounds like you’re concerned about water contamination from the pigs and the health of your family”

3. Make a Connection

Shared values are three to five times more important to building trust than focusing on one version of the facts. Find a connection, for example, the health of your family, your love of hunting, land stewardship, or protecting water quality.

“We share your goal of protecting the land for future generations. We use the least amount of chemicals possible to control any pests.”

4. Acknowledge Them

Be sure that you acknowledge their concern.

“I agree keeping the keiki and kupuna safe is number one. I live here, too. We want to do everything we can to keep the land and water clean. I understand your concern.”

5. Suggest a Way to Work Together

Sometimes, your efforts to have a productive conversation might not work. You can still show you care about resolving the problem by seeking outside help.

“I still want to try and work through this. Would you be willing to try working with a mediator who might be able to help us have this conversation?”

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Did you catch our social media graphics about transition planning?

We've created a series of graphics you can share on social media or in newsletters to help spread the word about farm transition tips.

Just click any of the images below to download them. We would love if you would share any or all of the images with a link to our five transition planning tips!

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