Broken Links in the Supply Chain

Associate Dean for Extension Kelvin Sewake was interviewed for an article in the online newsletter Supply Chain Dive about the effects that the volcanic activity on the Big Island is having on the supply chain there and throughout the state. Kelvin explained that the papaya farmers and orchid growers are hugely affected; ranchers and growers of vegetable crops and other fruits and nuts are also impacted, though not as severely. The threat is not only from the lava itself but also from the sulfur dioxide, he noted. The article reported that he and other members of the college would be speaking to politicians, farmers, and representatives from government agencies to help find solutions so that farmers won’t have to stop farming.