HānaiʻAi
The Food Provider ~ March | April | May 2013
In This Issue
- Featured Farmer: Chris Robb
- HOT TIP from Robb Farm
- Growing Your Business
- Sustainable & Organic Research News
- Publications and Programs
- Organic Update
- Workshops | Conferences | Meetings
- FMI / FYI
- Funding Opportunities
- Westerm SARE
ARCHIVED ISSUES
Aloha Kākou
Aloha Kākou, welcome to the Spring 2013 issue of HānaiʻAi, the sustainable agriculture newsletter of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.
Sustainable Koa production, Cotton and Ladybugs (Ladybirds, in the King's English) are all subjects of articles in this issue of HānaiʻAi. Also in this issue, Drs. Linda Cox and Wuyang Hu ask the question "What is Local Food and Who Wants What?," and agricultural professionals from across the State highlight their efforts in promoting sustainability in Hawaii's natural and agricultural ecosystems in many new publications from CTAHR.
In SARE news, Western SARE has posted the new calls for proposal, and Extension Agent Jari Sugano has joined Dr. Ted Radovich as co-coordinator of both the WSARE Hawai'i State PDP and the CTAHR Sustainable and Organic Agriculture programs. Welcome Jari!
Also, read about this issue's featured farmer Chris Robb, who farms almost 20 acres in Waimea on Hawai'i Island. And, make sure to visit the "back pages" of the newsletter for upcoming Workshops, Conferences and Meetings (there's LOTS coming!), and an extra special Organic Update.
Finally, we say Aloha and Mahalo nui loa to Dr. Linda Cox who will be leaving us as Hanai'ai co-editor and co-coordinator of SOAP. Thanks for your service Linda!
We hope you find this issue of HānaiʻAi useful, and welcome your input.
Featured Farmer: Chris Robb
Robb Farms, Waimea, Hawaiʻi
- Area under production: 14 acres
- Years farming in Hawaiʻi: 30 years growing various crops: roses, orchids, coffee, and vegetables. I was a Horticulturist with MacFarms of Hawaiʻi.
- Crops grown, products/services: assorted vegetables -- lettuce, broccoli, beets, leeks, fennel, onions, eggplant.
- Number of employees and/or family members involved: 5 full time employees
Hot Tip from Robb Farm
Just grow organically! Organic vegetable production can be done profitably in Hawai'i if you promote biological cycles above and below ground and control your costs.
Mahalo nui loa to Chris Robb for this article and photos, and to Ted Radovich for photos.
Growing Your Business
What is Local Food and Who Wants What?
Local food is in the marketplace more than ever. No legal definition of local food exists. This article provides an overview of research done on local food and highlights the importance of the consumers’ opinion about local food.
FMI: Linda Cox, email: lcox@hawaii.edu
- Milestone passed at Whole Foods: More than half of the fresh produce purchased at Maui store grown on Hawai`i farms.
- Grassfed Beef and the Politics of "Local" (Property and Environment Research Center)
Sustainable & Organic Research and Outreach News
Sustainable Practices to Boost Tree Seedling Performance
Travis Idol, email: idol@hawaii.edu and Gaoussou Diarra, email: gaoussou@hawaii.edu
Native Hawaiian trees are being raised as seedlings in nurseries across the State and the most common species by far is Acacia koa Gray, the famous koa tree. The successful establishment of seedlings after outplanting, especially in stressful sites, requires vigorous seedlings. This article summarizes nursery practices that will help ensure that seedlings will thrive and help restore our native forests.
FMI: Travis Idol, email: idol@hawaii.edu
Food Security and Economic Sustainability: Current Research in Tropical Fruit Production at the University of Hawaii
Mark Nickum, email: nickum@hawaii.edu
Dr. Nickum is currently working on Avocado, Breadfruit, and potentially on Citrus. He believes that these tropical tree fruits hold promise for import substitution in order to increase the State’s food security. This article summaries his current research projects and provides a photo essay.
FMI: Mark Nickum, email: nickum@hawaii.edu
An Overview of Survey Respondents Interested in Organic Cotton Products
Shu-Hwa Lin, email: shulin@hawaii.edu and Linda J. Cox, email: lcox@hawaii.edu
Organic cotton products occupy a growing market niche across the U.S, but are not widely marketed in Hawai‘i. The higher prices currently charged for organic cotton goods may reflect a premium marketing strategy and may leave room for additional niche markets. This article presents results from a survey of Hawai‘i consumers to investigate who prefers organic cotton and who prefers conventional cotton in order to assist retailers interested in this potential market.
FMI: Shu Hwa Lin, email: shulin@hawaii.edu
Shining bright in Waianae: How bees and reflective mulch can improve vegetable production in Hawaii
Emma Shelly and Ethel Villalobos, email: emv@hawaii.edu
In the past, small farmers across the State have relied on feral bees from wild hives to provide the pollination services needed by their vegetable crops. However, with the arrival of new bee parasites and diseases to the State, feral bee populations have largely declined, forcing farmers to managed their own apiaries to obtain pollination services. This article highlights a farm that has been successful in managing its own apiaries in order to obtain these services.
FMI: Ethel Villalobos, email: emv@hawaii.edu
Not All Lady Beetles are Created Equal:
Learn about different Types of Lady Beetles in Hawaiʻi with Special Talent
Jane Tavares, email: janemt@hawaii.edu, Koon-Hui Wang, email: koonhui@hawaii.edu, and Jensen Uyeda, email: juyeda@hawaii.edu
At least 138 species of lady beetles (Coccinellids) have been introduced into Hawaiʻi and 87 of these species are now established in the State. (Lady beetle: British; Lady bug: American. When a common name is needed, entomologists prefer ladybird beetles or lady beetles, as these insects are not true bugs.) Ladybirds come in a variety of sizes, colors and patterns and also have different preferences for their prey. This article contains pictures of many common ladybirds and provides details for those with specific feed preferences.
- Lady Beetles of Hawaii (poster)
FMI: Koon-Hui Wang, email: koonhui@hawaii.edu
Evaluating Promising New Eggplant Varieties
J. Sugano, email: suganoj@ctahr.hawaii.edu; S. Fukuda, T. Radovich, email: theodore@hawaii.edu; J. Uyeda, email: juyeda@hawaii.edu; S. Migita, K. Takeda, and M. Chou
Long eggplant (Solanum melongena) cultivars are preferred by many Hawaii’s growers and consumers. Variety trials were conducted in 2008 and 2013 using a randomized complete block design with 4 reps at the Poamoho and Waimanalo Research Stations under conventional and certified organic management. Results from those trials are described in this article.
FMI: Jari Sugano, email: suganoj@ctahr.hawaii.edu
For more information about CTAHR's research, visit our Office of Research Webpage.
Publications & Programs
NEW from CTAHR
- Damage to Papaya Caused by Thrips parvispinus (Karny) (poster)
- [Ilocano Version] Damage to Papaya Caused by Thrips parvispinus (Karny) (poster)
- How to Minimize On-Farm Papaya Fruit Damage (poster)
- [Ilocano version] How to Minimize On-Farm Papaya Fruit Damage (poster)
- Insect, Mite, and Snail Pests of Papaya in Hawaii (poster)
- Major Papaya Diseases in Hawaii (poster)
- Major basil pests in Hawaii: Three economically important basil pests as of 2012
- [Chinese Version] Major basil pests in Hawaii: Three economically important basil pests as of 2012
- Arsenic in Foods
- Effects of Wet-Aging and Age at Slaughter on Kauai Grass-Finished Ribeye Steak Tenderness
- An Introduction to Sheep and Goat Parasite Management in Hawaii
- Omega-3 Fatty Acid, Selenium, and Mercury Content of Aquaculture Products in Hawaii
- A Preliminary Study of Microbial Water Quality Related to Food Safety in Recirculating Aquaponic Fish and Vegetable Production Systems
- Pricing Produce and Products for Fair Profit Based on Cost of Production
- The Natural Farming Concept: A New Economical Waste Management System for Small Family Swine Farms in Hawai‘i: Most Frequently Asked Questions on the IDLS Piggery
- Invasive Aphids in Hawaii (book order form)
- Coconut and Palm Pests Alert
- Exporting: How It Can Benefit Hawaii and California Businesses
- Hawaii's federally subsidized public school lunch program and the Hawaii Department of Education's food safety requirements for it
UH Press
Organic Update
ORGANIC-L : https://listserv.hawaii.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=organic-l&A=1
Growers who wish to market more than $5,000 of organic produce annually must be certified. A resource list for Hawaii growers who wish to become certified organic is available here.
HOFA, Hawaii Organic Farming Association, is revitalized after a period of relative inactivity following HOFA getting out of the certification business in 2011 due to the high costs involved. HOFA's purpose is to educate and advocate about the benefits of organic agriculture and related issues. The new board is charting new directions including educational programs and support to offer organic farmers and others, and is working with the Kohala Center's Organic Industry Advisory Panel to identify the needs of the organic industry in Hawaii. For information on how to become a member and supporter, to stay updated about upcoming educational activities, and to network with organic farmers in the state, go to: www.hawaiiorganic.org. (Submitted by Dr. Hector Valenzuela)
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is currently accepting applications for a new round of organic certification cost-share assistance to organic farmers and organic livestock operators. Applications and information are available online at the HDOA website:
After reviewing public comments, the NOP has finalized its policy in four areas:
- The Use of Kelp in Organic Livestock Feed (NOP 5027)
- Seeds, Annual Seedlings, and Planting Stock in Organic Crop Production (NOP 5029)
- Evaluating Allowed Ingredients and Sources of Vitamins and Minerals for Organic Livestock Feed (NOP 5030)
- Responding to Results from Pesticide Residue Testing (NOP 2613)
Review the Guidance Documents here.
Workshops | Conferences | Meetings
Windward Community College, Career and Community Education, Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association, and the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources present 2013 Workshop and Conference Series
- Aquaponics in Hawaii Conference, Saturday, May 25, 2013, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Hawaii Aquaculture Conference and Aquaculture Taste of Hawaii, Saturday, Nov 9, 2013, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
For more information: http://windwardcc.snappages.com/aquaculture-aquaponics.htm
- June 7-8, 2013
- Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy and Māla‘ai: The Culinary Garden of Waimea Middle School, Waimea, Hawai‘i Island
- http://www.kohalacenter.org/HISGN/symposium13.html
Master Farmer Workshops
O‘ahu RC&D is excited to announce dates for the 2013 Master Farmer Series.
- June 13: Local Beef Production and Pasture Management
- July 11: Native Plant Production and Landscaping
- August 8: Beekeeping and Honey Production
Workshops will be held from 9:00am to 12:00pm, and will include an opportunity to talk story with our Master Farmers and a tour of the farm operation. More information and registration details will be posted on Oahu RC&D's website in the coming weeks. www.oahurcd.org
Land Preservation Workshops ~ Summer 2013
Land preservation workshops will be held in May / June on O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i and Hawai‘i Island. The workshops will highlight tools to preserve and steward land for Hawaii agriculture. Check back at our website for specific dates.
Grow Your Own Groceries Gardening Workshops
Through a grant from Pioneer, O‘ahu RC&D has organized a series of backyard gardening workshops taking place at the Pioneer Research Station in Kunia. Upcoming workshops:
- April 20: Worms Eat My Garbage and Getting to Know Your Soil
- May 4: Fruit Trees
- May 18: Growing Vegetables
- June 1: Organic Pest Control and Pest ID
Workshops are from 9 to 11:30 am and are taught by UH Master Gardeners, local farmers, and other experts. To sign up or for more information, visit the O‘ahu RC&D website at oahurcd.org or call (808) 622-9026.
HPSI will offer an advanced three-day “Train the Trainers” Workshop in Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i Island, designed to help dedicated individuals from each island broaden their seed production skills and continue to advance and promote seed work in their respective locales. This training will focus on:
- Furthering seed-saving skills
- Crop selection
- On-farm breeding programs
- Crop diseases and building soil health to increase disease resistance
- Social media networking tools and protocol
- Developing working models for seed education and seed networks on each island
- Envisioning future goals and requirements
We are inviting people who have experience in seed saving and are willing to make a commitment to working in their locale to help to create and further island seed networks. Please look over the self-assessment points on our website to determine if you qualify. A committee will select a few applicants from each island. Travel scholarships will be available. If you feel you qualify please download and complete the application and return via e-mail to seedproject@kohalacenter.org.
- Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 at the Hilton Waikoloa Village
- FMI: http://www.TasteOfTheHawaiianRange.com.
- November 6-8, 2013
- Des Moines, IA
The Women, Food & Agriculture Network is seeking proposals from farmers, educators, activists and agricultural professionals involved in sustainable agriculture, especially women engaged in developing healthy, locally based food systems. Presentations are invited in the following tracks:
- Cultivating our Food/Fiber (production-related topics);
- Cultivating our Farms (management, human relations and farm transfer topics); and
- Cultivating our Future (leadership, network development and policy topics).
FMI on the conference and submissions, visit http://www.wfan.org/2013_National_Conference.html.
To submit a proposal go to http://www.wfan.org/2013_national_conf_proposal_form.html. (Deadline: April 30, 2013)
FMI / FYI
GoFarm Hawaii, a new program at the University of Hawaii Community Colleges is growing something extremely vital at Windward Community College—commercial farmers. The program is part of C3T Hawaii--Community College, Career Training--and is funded by a $24.6 million workforce development grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. Click here to view on Vimeo.
- GoFarm Hawaii Website: http://www.gofarmhawaii.org/
- Links for New Farmers
The Taro Task Force is partnering with UH CTAHR on a soil survey for statewide taro farmers to gain a better understanding of soil health and soil practices in wetland taro cultivation and its relationship with taro quality (density). The study offers free soil sampling to participating wetland taro farmers on all islands for the fields where the study gathers information. If you are interested in participating, please contact Jacqueline Meyer, CTAHR Graduate Student at jemeyer@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 772 2379.
The program would like to include all interested taro growers. They are looking for growers who have:
1. A wetland taro farm
2. At least 30 ohana from the same variety that can be harvested at once for yield data
3. Be willing to participate with program staff and share on farm fertilization information
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Penny Levin (email: pennysfh@hawaii.rr.com) or the other Taro Task Force members on your island.
Funding Opportunities
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is currently accepting applications for a new round of organic certification cost-share assistance to organic farmers and organic livestock operators. Applications and information are available online at the HDOA website:
Western SARE has posted all of our Calls for Proposals. These include:
- Research and Education
- Farmer/Rancher
- Professional Development Program
- Professional + Producer
- Graduate Student Research & Education
Descriptions of each type of grant with a link to the specific Call can be found at http://www.westernsare.org/Grants/Types-of-Grants.
The Calls provide instructions for the on-line application process. Please call the office at (435) 797- 2257 if you need a hard copy of the Call.
The Agribusiness Incubator Program is please to announce that we are offering the Value-Added Agricultural Product Manufacturing Grant once again this year. This grant is to assist existing or potential food manufacturers with equipment and guidance that will facilitate growth. All Hawaii-based companies that manufacture, or intend to manufacture, products containing Hawaii-grown agricultural products are eligible for this grant. interested applicants can click here to download the application form. The application deadline is May 3, 2013, 4 pm
Western Region Sustainable Agriculture and Education Program (WSARE)
The Winter 2012 issue of Simply Sustainable contains articles about the Keynote presentations from the WSARE Infrastructure Conference, funded grad student projects, a successful regional distribution project, and a no-till and cover crops workshop.
Since 1988, the WSARE program has been supporting agricultural profitability, environmental integrity and community strength through grants that enable cutting-edge research and education to open windows on sustainability across the West, including Hawai'i. The goals of WSARE are:
- Promote good stewardship of our natural resources.
- Enhance the quality of life of farmers and ranchers and ensure the viability of rural communities.
- Protect the health and safety of those involved in food and farm systems.
- Promote crop, livestock and enterprise diversification.
- Examine the regional, economic, social and environmental implications of adopting sustainable agriculture practices and systems.
For more information, please see: http://www.westernsare.org/ or contact Hawai'i WSARE co-coordinators Dr. Ted Radovich (theodore@hawaii.edu) and Jari Sugano (suganoj@ctahr.hawaii.edu).
This e-publication has been prepared by CTAHR research scientists and extension staff to deliver science-based information about sustainable and organic production systems to serve Hawaii's farming community.
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Mahalo nui loa,
Dr. Linda Cox and Dr. Ted Radovich
Jody Smith, e-Extension Manager
Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program
Cooperative Extension Service
College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources