Volume 28: Dec 2016 | Jan | Feb 2017

  • 1 February 2017
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Providing science-based information to serve Hawaii's Farming Community
Hānai ʻAi
The Food Provider December 2016 | January | February 2017
SOAP logo

Aloha,

Happy New Year! and Welcome to the first Hanai'Ai issue of 2017. One of the many exciting things we have to report is the revamping of The Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program website. The SOAP site reports on projects and activities of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) at the University of Hawai`i which promote our understanding and practice of sustainable agriculture in Hawai`i. In addition to archives of past issues of Hanai'Ai, the website contains presentations, reports, and photos from our statewide field days and events, as well as numerous other resources. To visit the website, click here. Mahalo to the Hawai'i Department of Agriculture for their continuing support of the website, Hana'Ai, and other SOAP activities to serve Hawaii's growers.

Organic pest management is a major focus of this issue of Hanai'Ai, with articles on organic-compliant pesticides and non-chemical controls using solarization and screen houses, plus lots of great new articles and publications related to sustainable and organic agriculture. We also visit Kahumana Farm, an innovative, long-standing certified organic farm-to-table operation that combines social services with commercial agricultural production. As usual, check the "back pages" for funding announcements and upcoming events.

We hope you find this issue of HānaiʻAi useful, and welcome your input.


Sustainable & Organic Research &
Outreach News

News from Hawai'i's Researchers and Extension


Comparing Physical Barriers and Organic Pesticides for Controlling Cabbage Webworm on Daikon

Kylie Wong, Josh Silva, Robin Shimabuku, Steve Fukuda, Jari Sugano, Koon Hui Wang, Jensen Uyeda, Fred Reppun, Shelby Ching, Jon Kam, Ronald Mau,
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, CTAHR


As with any pest, there are multiple options available to control cabbage webworm. This past summer, physical barriers were compared to organic and conventional pesticides for efficacy of controlling this pest on daikon. For trial details and results, Read here.

FMI: Kylie Wong, email: kyliew@hawaii.edu

Flat Head Cabbage Variety Trial

Jensen Uyeda, Theodore Radovich, Steve Fukuda, and Jari Sugano,
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, CTAHR


Head cabbage is one of the top volume-producing crops in Hawai'i. Four tropical-adapted flat-head cabbage varieties were evaluated by CTAHR researchers for heat tolerance, yield, and quality in comparison with the industry standard 'KK Cross'. Read here.

FMI: Jensen Uyeda, email: juyeda@hawaii.edu

Cover Crops and Solarization for Nematode Control

Marisol Quintanilla-Tornel,
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, CTAHR


Nematodes can be both harmful and beneficial to our crops. The use of cover crops and solarization mulch are promising practices that maintain a balance between pest control and soil health. Read here.

FMI: Marisol Quintanilla-Tornel, email: marisolq@hawaii.edu

'Onipa'a Group Restores Taro Over Past Two Decades

Fred Reppun,
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, CTAHR


The community service group, 'Onipa'a Na Hui Kalo (ONHK) has been restoring lo'i across the islands for the past 20 years. Through hands-on work, the volunteers work hard to inspire each other and help local farmers. Read here.

FMI: Fred Reppun, email: freppun@hawaii.edu


Publications & Programs

for sustainable and organic production systems

New from CTAHR


CRATE: Center for Rural Agricultural Training and Entrepreneurship

In this column, the creation and use of screenhouses as a method of pest management is explored.


DIY Screenhouse for Insect Management in the Tropics: Part I

Koon-Hui Wang, Jari Sugano, Steve Fukuda, Jensen Uyeda, Donna Meyer, and Shelby Ching
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, CTAHR


Step-by-step instructions on how to put together your own screenhouse as a sustainable pest managment tool. Also included is a relative breakdown of the cost of materials here in Hawai'i. Read here.

DIY Screenhouse for Insect Management in the Tropics: Part II

Koon-Hui Wang, Jari Sugano, Steve Fukuda, Jensen Uyeda, Shelby Ching, Jon Kam, and Donna Meyer
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, CTAHR


Growth, yield, and pest damage on zucchini was assessed under six different screen treatments, including an open-field comparison. Read the full article for a description of the treatments and the results. View video here.

FMI: Koon-Hui Wang, email: koonhui@hawaii.edu


From the Agribusiness Incubator


Acquiring Grant Support:


Getting organizations to give you money is nice, but requires work

Steven Chiang,
Director, UH Agribusiness Incubator Program


Applying for grants can be daunting, but if you start early and break the process down into smaller parts, success is within reach. This article gives a basic overview of the grant process, as well as a few places to look for grants that may apply to you. Read here.

FMI: Steven Chiang, email: schiang@hawaii.edu


Organic Update


Organic Field Day Presentations

Presentations from the field day held at CTAHR's certified organic plots in Waimanalo are now available online HERE

HDOA Coffee Berry Borer Pesticide Subsidy Program

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) Coffee Berry Borer (CBB) Pesticide Subsidy Program was established during the 2014 Legislative Session by Act 105 (HB1514) to assist Hawaii coffee farmers with the cost of pesticides containing Beauveria bassiana (Botanigard® and Mycotrol®) for CBB control. The program is funded through 6/30/2019 in cooperation with the County of Hawai`i. Applications are currently accepted for purchases made between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016. To apply, click here.

USDA Seeking Comments on Proposal

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking comments on a proposal for a new industry-funded research and promotion program. The proposed Organic Research, Promotion, and Information Order would cover certified organic products and would include a range of agricultural commodities, such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, poultry, breads, grains, snack foods, condiments, beverages, and packaged and prepared foods. A 60-day public comment period ends on March 20, 2017. Comments should be posted on www.regulations.gov.

2016 NORA Now Available

The 2016 National Organic Research Agenda (NORA) report provides comprehensive recommendations for future investment in organic agricultural research. These recommendations are based on OFRF's 2015 survey of organic farmers, nationwide listening sessions with organic farmers, and a review of key documents and recommendations from other organizations, including the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB).Download report here.

Hawai'i Farm and Food Newsletter

Download for free through Apple apps here.
Or obtain a hard copy by visiting a
Hawai'i Farm Bureau farmer's market
or by becoming a member.

The intent of these columns is to improve understanding in those unfamiliar with organic production and to provide a resource to growers interested in or currently producing organically. Let us know what you want to see featured by emailing theodore@hawaii.edu


Grants and Loans

Hawai'i Food Producers Fund Microloan Program

Hawai'i food producers seeking loans through Kiva are eligible to receive 50% of their loan from the Hawai'i Food Producers Fund. The Fund provides 0% interest loans to Hawai'i food producers through Kiva. The Kohala Center, with support from HDOA and County of Hawai'i, created the Fund to increase the amount of capital available to local food producers and stimulate local food production in Hawai'i. Hawai'i food producers include Hawai'i-based farmers and food processors utilizing at least one Hawai'i-grown ingredient. Click here for more information.

USDA Seeks Applications for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Loans and Grants

The USDA is accepting Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) applications for:
1) energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grants
     Deadline: January 31
2) renewable energy system & energy efficiency loans and grants.
      Deadline: March 31, 2017

USDA will set aside 20 percent of the funds for grants of $20,000 or less.
View/download the flyer

Farm Service Agency Opportunities

The FSA's online newsletter contains important information and deadlines, including applications for the FSA Youth Loan Program and the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program. click here for more information.


FMI/FYI

Pesticide Risk Reduction Education Short Course


January 31-February 1, Kauai

This in-depth two-day short course would benefit people who want to be better informed about handling pesticides properly or prepare for the Hawaii Department of Agriculture's certification exam for restricted use pesticides. Click here for more information.

Reducing Risk and Enhancing Sustainability for O'ahu Farms


February 3, 9am-12pm Waianae, O'ahu

Attend this FREE workshop by AgriLogic in partnership with O'ahu RC&D to learn how to protect your farm assets, including topics of record keeping, crop insurance, conservation planning, and funding opportunities to protect your natural resources and farming business Click here to register!

Effects of Conservation Agriculture for Water, Nematode, and Insect Pest Management


February 4, Poamoho Research Station, Waialua, O'ahu

Results of ongoing experiments in nematology, pest management, and tillage systems. Click here for more information.

Farming and Soil Conservation: Funding for Best Practices


February 10,Key Project

Attend the FREE workshop to learn about current projects, talk story with other farmers, and receive assistance with your application in the Ka'alae'a and Waiahole watersheds. Click here to register!

Best Food Safety Practices for School Gardens


February 18 and 25,Hawai'i

Learn how your school can follow best practices for a safe and fun garden experience for everyone. Hear from experts on current policies and regulations for school gardens, best practices and safety procedures for harvesting and consumption of student-grown produce, and integrated pest management for slugs and snails.Click here to see the full flyer.

Produce Safety Alliance:
Integrated Grower & Train-the-Trainer Course


February 27-28,Ala Moana Hotel, Honolulu, O'ahu

University of Hawaiʻi Cooperative Extension and Cornell University's Produce Safety Alliance will be teaming up to host this is a 2-day course geared toward increasing the number of people in Hawaiʻi who can help train others in meeting the criteria set by the new Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Rule. Click here for more information.

Seeds-4-Tomorrow Camp


March 20-24,HARC, O'ahu

A week long adventure camp revolving around food production, conservation, sciene, and engineering for grades 6-12. Click here for more information!


WSARE

Grant Deadlines

New grants will be announced mid-April of this year.

Recent Publications


 

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 involced 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.

To continue receiving this newsletter, please confirm your interest by updating your profile/email address (see link below). If this publication has been valuable, please forward it to others. Send in your suggestions for what you want to read about in our articles. Tell us about your research needs.


Mahalo nui loa,

Jari Sugano and Dr. Ted Radovich
Sarah Moore, technician and editor

Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program
Cooperative Extension Service
College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa



In this Issue





Featured Farmer

Christian Zuckerman, Kahumana Farm, Waianae, O'ahu

Area under production: 24 acres

Years farming in Hawai'i: founded in 1978, began focusing on commercial production in 2007

Crops grown: baby greens, root crops, kale, swiss chard, asian cabbages, leeks, herbs, eggs

Fertility management: certified organic, compost from green and food waste, cover cropping, fish emulsion and sea kelp foliar spray

Read full article here

Mahalo nui loa to Christian Zuckerman for this interview and photos.


HOT TIPS

from Kahumana Farm

Be keenly observant to determine what's working and what's not.

If you want to be successful at farming, you have to put in 150% effort 100% of the time.

 

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