Providing science-based information to serve Hawaii's Farming Community
|
|
|
|
|
September | October | November 2009
|
|
|
From the Field
Saving Seeds
By Dr. Ted RadovichMany farmers and gardeners save some of their own seed to preserve well-adapted varieties that may not be available on the commercial market. This article highlights key points to be aware of when saving seed. Several vegetable varieties selected and saved by Hawaii farmers are available from the University of Hawaii Seed Program.
READ the full article here.
FMI: Ted Radovich, Email: theodore@hawaii.edu
|
|
Growing Your Business
Farms and Families: Keeping Business Concerns Separate From Family Concerns
By Dr. Linda J. Cox
Farms and farm families are intertwined, which can cause tension for the business and the family. In order to address these types of concerns, business and family goals must be clarified immediately. This article discusses the need to plan ahead and provides information about resources that can help.
READ the full article here.
FMI: Linda Cox, email: lcox@hawaii.ed
|
|
|
Sustainable & Organic Research &
Outreach News
News from Hawai'i's Researchers and Extension
|
|
|
Beneficial Use of Biochar To Correct Soil Acidity
Arnoldus Klau Berek, Nguyen Hue, email: nvhue@hawaii.edu, and Amjad Ahmad email: alobady@hawaii.edu
Soil acidity limits crop production in many regions of the world, including Hawaii. Lime is often applied to reduce acidity, although lime is costly and may not be available. The research reported in this article concludes that biochar, a by-product of bio-fuels production, could be mixed with lime to reduce soil acidity. Applying a mixture that contains 2 to 4 % biochar and about 2 tons/ha of lime, which is expected to neutralize acidity, was found to significantly improve soil quality and increase crop growth.
READ the full article here.
|
|
|
Romaine lettuce Variety Trials in Hawaii: Winter, Spring and Summer Trials
Hector Valenzuela, email: hector@hawaii.edu; Jari Sugano, email: suganoj@ctahr.hawaii.edu; Alton Arakaki, email: arakakia@ctahr.hawaii.edu; Ted Radovich, email: Theodore@hawaii.edu; Ted Goo, and Susan Migita, email: migitas@ctahr.hawaii.edu
Four observational field trials were conducted to determine the growth of Romaine lettuce varieties during the Winter at Poamoho, O‘ahu, Spring at low-elevation in Moloka‘i , and Summer over two years in Poamoho. The research report identifies the top yielding varieties and the varieties that exhibited desirable traits or growth characteristics.
READ the full article here.
|
|
|
Directory of Organic Seed Suppliers
This database provides sources for organic seed of both agronomic and horticultural crops. Some national, mail-order suppliers of untreated seed are included, with the emphasis on small alternative seed companies offering open-pollinated vegetable, flower, and herb seed.
USDA Renews Organic Cost-Share funding for FY 2011
Under the terms of the renewed agreements, certified organic producers and handlers may be reimbursed 75% of the cost of their new or continued certification, up to a maximum of $750.
- NOSB voted to renew the allowance of ethylene for pineapple flower induction for an additional five years.
- Organic poultry and egg producers can access market information through a new weekly report.
- National Organic Program
|
|
Publications & Programs
for sustainable and organic production systems
|
|
|
New Director Announced for NRCS
Angel Figueroa was selected as the new Director for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). He is responsible for the 110 federal employees within the Pacific Islands Area. Originally from Puerto Rico, Mr. Figueroa began his career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1989. Before this Hawaii assignment, Mr. Figueroa worked for NRCS offices in Massachusetts, Ohio, North Dakota, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC. He was selected for this position in July 2011 after the retirement of Larry Yamamoto.
|
|
Western Region Sustainable Agriculture and Education Program (WSARE)
|
|
|
Learn more about WSARE’s activities in their quarterly newsletter Simply Sustainable.
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 Hawaii. 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: https://wsare.usu.edu/ or contact Hawaii WSARE coordinator Dr. Ted Radovich at theodore@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 subscribing or updating your profile/email address.
- 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,
Eric Collier, Education Specialist and Managing Editor
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
The University of Hawai‘i is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.
Jody Smith | Web Manager | smithjos@hawaii.edu
Copyright ©2013 University of Hawai‘i - College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. Updated 4 Nov, 2021
|
|
|
|