Aloha,
Welcome to the Winter 2018/2019 issue of H ānai'Ai, the sustainable agriculture newsletter of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) at the University of Hawai'i. To visit the SOAP website, click here. Mahalo to the Hawai'i Department of Agriculture for their continuing support of the website, H ānai'Ai, and other SOAP activities to serve Hawaii's growers.
In this issue our local extension agents highlight valuable resources that will assist growers in meeting food safety regulations. Additionally, the CTAHR team continue to research and develop crops like Māmaki , Celery, and Basil for production in Hawaii. Be sure to check out our feature farmers from Waimea's WOW Farms, and learn some of their tips to running a successful farm.
We hope you find this issue of HānaiʻAi useful, and welcome your input.
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Sustainable & Organic Research &
Outreach News
News from Hawai'i's Researchers and Extension
Advancing Hawaii's Farming Communities Through Applied Research, Education and Collaborative Partnerships
J. Sugano, T. Radovich, and K.H Wang
University of Hawai'i Mānoa, CTAHR
Hawaii provides unique challenges daily to the some 7,000 farms located in the state. Our isolated location and heavy reliance on food imports has prompted a need to revitalize and expand local food production. The challenges that are associated with our growing climate require the development of comprehensive farm management plans. This research and development has been enabled through the partnership that exists between the local community and the CTAHR extension team. Click here to read about how the Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program at UH Mānoa has been working towards promoting sustainable solutions through collaboration with
Hawaii's farmers.
Scaling Up Māmaki (Pipturus albidus) in Non-Forest Areas for Commercial Production
J. Sugano, L. Okumura, J. Silva, J. Uyeda, and K.H Wang
University of Hawai'i Mānoa, CTAHR
Māmaki (Pipturus albidus) is an endemic plant to Hawaii that has many traditional uses, but recently their has been a surge in consumer interest for its recognized healing properties. This species can be found naturally occurring in the under story of native forests at various elevations. Due to the increased recognition of its possible marketability as an commercial export, it is vital to evaluate effective commercial production methods that will keep our naturally occurring species protected from misuse. The CTAHR extension staff conducted research into effective propagation, pruning, shade requirements, and harvest methods for commercial production. Click here to see the results.
Evaluation of Organic Insecticides For Aphid Control on Chinese Cabbage
J. Sugano, G. Spinelli, K. Wong, E. Perez, J. Silva, J. Uyeda, K.H Wang, P. Shingaki
University of Hawai'i Mānoa, CTAHR
CTAHR extension agents continue their evaluation of the efficacy of screen house production systems in Hawaii. A field trial was performed in the Kula district of Maui to evaluate Lepidoptera (caterpillar) pest pressure in Chinese cabbage grown in a commercial screen house. While Lepidoptera infestation was minimized under screen house cultivation, aphid infestation proved to be the largest pest pressure. In response to the infestation, researchers evaluated the use of organic insecticides to control aphids in screen house production of Chinese cabbage. Click here to review the results.
In Field Irrigation Water Treatment for the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rules
K. Tavares, J. Uyeda, J. Silva, S. Motomura Wages, J. Sugano, and L. Nakamura-Tengen
University of Hawai'i Mānoa, CTAHR
Under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) of 2011, the Produce Safety Rule (PSR) has set criteria for the microbial quality of agricultural water. These set standards will apply not only to irrigation water, but water that may come into contact with the produce pre or post harvest. Farmers in Hawaii source their water from a variety of sources such as streams, open irrigation ditches, catchment, and reservoirs. Although state wide testing indicated only a few sites that didn't meet microbial standards, farmers will still need to monitor their waters microbial levels. Thanks to funding provided by the Western Region Center for Enhanced Food Safety, the CTAHR Farm Food Safety Team has been able to identify practical and locally available treatment systems. Click here to read more about keeping your agricultural waters safe and clean!
Celery Variety Trial: Preliminary Results
J. Silva, J. Sugano, and J. Uyeda
University of Hawai'i Mānoa, CTAHR
Celery (Apium graveolens) is a familiar vegetable commonly eaten as fresh stalks, but also cooked in a variety of dishes. Hawaii once produced modest amounts of celery, but now the state imports the majority of what is available in local markets. A celery variety trial was conducted this summer to evaluate nine commercial varieties for potential local production. To see preliminary results of yield, size, and taste evaluations, click here.
Downy Mildew Resistant Basil Variety Trial: Preliminary Results
J. Silva, J. Sugano, and J. Uyeda
University of Hawai'i Mānoa, CTAHR
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a high value crop grown year-round in Hawaii. However, tropical basil production is greatly impacted by infections from basil downy mildew (Peronospora belbahrii). In order to identify basil varieties suited for production in Hawaii, a variety trial was carried out to assess the performance of commercially available disease resistant cultivars. Click here to see the preliminary results of new and promising downy mildew resistant basil.
C. Mogren
University of Hawai'i Mānoa, CTAHR
Honey bees are generalist pollinators that are essential for the productivity and profitability of many crops in Hawaii. A number of other solitary bees and flies are also vital for targeted pollination (e.g. carpenter bees for lilikoi and hover flies for mangoes). Insectary plants are a great way to attract beneficial insects to your farm and entice pollinators during periods when crops are blooming. Native plants offer many of the same benefits as nonnative insectary plants, but their incorporation on farms has the additional benefit of preserving the natural and cultural heritage of Hawaii. In addition to the nectar and pollen resources they offer to pollinators, many of these plants are edible, contain medicinal value, or can be used in lei making. Visit the Mālama Pua website for island-specific native plant recommendations. While these lists are not comprehensive, they do provide a starting point for increasing native plant diversity on farms. This website is a work in progress, so please check back frequently! Further information on native Hawaiian plants may be found here.
On Farm Readiness Review: A FSMA Resource for Farmers
K. Tavares, J. Silva, and S. Motomura Wages
University of Hawai'i Mānoa, CTAHR
Due to the implementation of the
Farmer Food Safety Compliance
(FSMA) growers have been increasingly vocal in the discussion about food safety and the Produce Safety Rules. Current educational resources in place, such as the Good Agricultural
Practices (GAPs) and Produce Safety Alliance's (PSA) Grower Training program, aim to support growers in meeting the FSMA requirements. Projected to be available in the beginning of 2019, UHM Cooperative Extension will be working in partnership with the Hawai'i Department of Agriculture to deliver The On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR.) This national educational program will be another tool to maneuver through their FSMA inspections. To read more about OFRR and other tools available, click here.
Publications & Programs
For Sustainable And Organic Production Systems
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New From CTAHR 
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Organic Agriculture Update
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USDA Announces $102.7 Million Investment to Expand Markets for Specialty Crop and Other Farmers
The USDA announced that it will be increasing investments, totaling $102.7 million dollars, in grants spreading across five different programs. The investments are targeted towards locally-led projects that focus on expanding markets for local food promotion and specialty crops. For additional information please click here.
Historic Permanent Funding for Organic Research Secured in Farm Bill
On December 11, 2018 it was announced that the 2018 Farm Bill will provide $395 million for organic agriculture research and education over the next 10 years. This huge win for organic agriculture research secures funding for the competitive grants available through the USDA's Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI.) Expansion in funds will provide additional support and tools to help farmers acclimate to the unique challenges of organic production, and the increasing demand for organic food. To review more details on the organic provisions in the 2018 Farm Bill, click here.
OFRF and USDA release Two Guidebooks Addressing on Farm Risk Management
USDA and OFRF have released two guidebooks to help organic farmers, and those transitioning to organic production, establish sound risk management practices through crop insurance and soil health management. The first guide is designed to help shed light on how crop insurance works, and determine which options are best suited for you. This free PDF also provides valuable information on record- keeping and other risk-management strategies. For those interested in learning more about crop insurance, you can find the free guidebook here. Another valuable way to ensure a healthy and resilient production system is enlisting best management practices for regulating soil health. An additional guidebook with helpful tools and resources on soil health can be located here.
OFRF and eOrganic Offer Free Webinar Series on Soil Health and Sustainable Management Practices
The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) has teamed up with eOrganic to share with growers a free webinar series on soil health management from the most recent research. The series, which began in May 2018, covers topics ranging from an overview of soil ecology, building organic matter, cover cropping, nutrient management, carbon sequestrations, and much more. Catch up on the series by watch past episodes here, and make sure to register for upcoming webinars by clicking here.
Hemp Recognized as Potential 'Comeback Crop' at American Farm Bureau Federation's Annual Convention
For more than 50 years Hemp has been federally listed under the 'Controlled Substance Act.' This designation was finally lifted with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, removing the arduous barriers that have long been associated with its production. During this years 100th Annual American Farm Bureau Federation's convention this up and coming crop was highlighted by workshops focusing on the economics, politics, and agronomic of industrial hemp production. Hawaii is one of many states that has an established industrial hemp pilot program. As with many other crops grown in the tropics, necessary research and development is required to evaluate the viability, economics, and commercial production standards. If you are interested in finding out more about HDOA's industrial hemp pilot program, you can visit their site here.
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
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F.Y.I
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4th Annual Parade of Farms
May 4th, Kahumana Organic Farm
Waianae, O'ahu
O'ahu Resource Conservation and Development Council's Annual Parade of Farms has been announced, and this year the event will highlight Waianae's farmers. The one day event will be hosted by Kahumana Organic Farm and Cafe and will feature farm tours, community organizations, information on local farmers and products, fun for the keiki, and a farm-to-table lunch. Registration will open March 1st, be sure to reserve your spot at this year's event. For more information you can visit their website here.
Pesticide Risk Reduction Education Short Course
Kauai and Hawai'i Island
The next short courses on Pesticide Risk Reduction will be held on March 13-14th in Līhuʻe, Kaua'i and April 11-12th in Hilo, Hawai'i. Those who would like to review the safety precautions required when handling pesticides, or prepare for HDOA's examination that is necessary to buy or use "restricted use" pesticides, click here to register.
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Information & Market Development Workshop
Island wide workshops held through January
Molokai, Kauai, Big Island, Oahu
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), federally funded by the recent Farm Bill, is a grant geared toward supporting projects focused on enhancing the local competitiveness of specialty crops; such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops. In order to familiarize Hawaii's local grower with this program and the application process, HDOA will be holding workshops Island wide through the month of January. Click here to register and find out more details on your local event.
Kona, Hawai'i Island: January 1st
Ho'olehua, Moloka'i: January 11th
Līhuʻe, Kaua'i: January 14th
Kahului, Maui: January 16th
Honolulu, O'ahu: January 17th
Hilo, Hawai'i Island: January 31st
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New Farmers
Molokai'i Farmers Quarterly
Envisioning Success
Glenn Teves
University of Hawai'i Mānoa, CTAHR
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In this edition of the Molokai'i Native Hawaiian Beginner Farmers Quarterly the focus is on how to reach success as a new farmer. It has long been known that looking to others who have been through the trials and tribulations you will face, and have come out on top, are key assets in maneuvering towards your own success. In this newsletter Glenn Teves passes along some helpful insights that were once shared with him. Click here to read more!
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Western Region Sustainable Agriculture and Research Education Program (WSARE)
Host a Farmer Field Day!
Do you have innovative sustainable agriculture ideas that you would like to share with your peers? Hosting a farmer field day is a great way to make connections with your community, expand your market, and help promote sustainable land stewardship. For tips and more information about hosting a farmer field day, click here.
Proposal Preparation
Interested in developing a proposal for Western SARE, but you don't know where to start? WSARE has provided plenty of helpful resources on their website that includes templates, budgetary information, tips for strong proposal writing, and much more! In this section they also outline their expectations and guidelines for submission, ensuring that your proposal is crafted for success.
Videos Worth Watching
SARE was founded on the idea that research and development for sustainable agriculture is best cultivated by the farmer. Since its beginning 30 years ago, SARE has been devoted to supporting the future of sustainable agriculture and the farmers that make it possible. Check out this video to see these concepts in action!
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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.
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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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- Tell us about your research needs.
Mahalo nui loa,
Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program
Cooperative Extension Service
College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
University of Hawaii at Manoa
On-line version of newsletter as well as archived issues available at:
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In this Issue
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Featured Farmer:
WOW Farm Inc.
Mike & Patricia Hodson
Waimea, Hawai'i Island
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Area under production: 48 hoop houses on a 10 acre property.
Years farming in Hawai'i: 13 years
Crops grown:
Primarily specializing in tomatoes, and some cucumbers.
Fertility Management:
Organic inputs such as seaweed, humic acids, neem, and fish emulsion.
Mahalo nui loa to
Mike and Patricia for this interview and photos!
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