Our Programs
Everything the Foundation does comes back to one question: How do we get KNF knowledge into more hands?
KNF Office Hours
Every week, practitioners gather online to learn, share, and troubleshoot KNF methods. Office Hours has been running for years, reaching farmers and gardeners on every continent. Sessions cover everything from basic solution preparation to advanced application strategies. The full archive of recordings is available in our Library — hundreds of hours of practical KNF education, free and searchable.
Monthly Meetings in Hilo
The Foundation’s local anchor. First hour is education — a deep dive into a KNF solution, led by experienced practitioners. Second hour is a community potluck with one rule: sit with someone you don’t know. This is where relationships form, where new practitioners find mentors, and where the local KNF community grows roots. Also available via Zoom for remote members.
Research Program
The Research Committee, chaired by Erik Degunther, leads structured research projects that bring scientific rigor to KNF practices. We partner with the University of Hawaii (CTAHR and UH Manoa) and work with County agricultural researchers to design experiments, collect data, and pursue peer-reviewed publication. Members can participate directly — run a project on your own land, follow the protocol, document results, and contribute to the growing body of KNF research.
Certification Program
Not all KNF is created equal. The Certification Program establishes clear standards of knowledge and competence for KNF practitioners. Certification verifies that a practitioner understands the principles, can prepare the solutions correctly, and can apply them effectively. For the community, it’s a way to identify skilled, knowledgeable people. For the movement, it’s a commitment to quality.
Drone Spraying Program
One of the barriers to KNF adoption on commercial farms is application — hand-spraying works for a backyard, but what about 10 acres? 50 acres? The Foundation operates a DJI Agras T40 agricultural drone with RTK precision guidance, capable of applying KNF solutions at commercial scale. Based in Hawaii, the drone program demonstrates that KNF methods can work for serious agriculture, not just hobby gardens. We’re collecting flight data, application rates, and crop response data to build the case for precision KNF agriculture.
Instructional Video Series
Working with video editor Jordan, the Micro-Documentary Committee is producing a documentary-style instructional series that walks viewers through every step of KNF solution preparation — from gathering ingredients to fermentation to application. Each episode covers one core solution: what it does, where to find the ingredients, step-by-step preparation, storage and shelf life, and when and how to apply it. Available to members through the Foundation platform.
Spirit of Master Cho
Master Cho Han-kyu’s teachings are preserved in years of Office Hours transcripts — thousands of pages of practical KNF knowledge. The Spirit of Master Cho is an AI-powered knowledge base that can search this archive and surface relevant guidance for any KNF question. Type !help followed by your question in the #mastercho channel on chat, and the system finds the most relevant ~4-minute segment from the archive that addresses your question.
Pure KNF Times
Each month, we publish an article diving into a specific aspect of KNF — from Minerals to Fuel to Reproduction to Cleanser. These articles go beyond how-to guides to explore the why behind KNF methods, connecting ancient practice to modern understanding.
Every program is run by volunteers and funded by membership dues and grants.