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Happy New Year! and welcome to the Winter 2014-2015 issue of Hanai'Ai, the sustainable agriculture newsletter of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.
As we approach the end of the 2014-2015 Makahiki season, it's appropriate to reflect on past, present and future efforts to keep Hawai'i agriculture sustainable. Our Featured Farmer this issue, Island Foodscapes, is using an innovative business model to help our residents grow and eat more fresh local vegetables. Our CTAHR research updates range from efforts to identify virus tolerant tomato varieties to how to candle your eggs.
You will see some other exciting ideas relative to sustainable agriculture in this issue. Specific topics include soil health, post harvest handling of exotic fruit, cash flow and beginning farmer programs. Don't forget our Organic Updates, with special announcements and programs this issue directly relevant to Hawaiʻi certified organic growers, and our Workshop announcements including an invitation to join CTAHR & USDA NRCS as we celebrate soil health at our first field day of 2015, Wednesday, January 28, Waimanalo Research Station, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
We hope you find this issue of HānaiʻAi useful, and welcome your input.
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| Sustainable & Organic Research & Outreach News
News from Hawaii's researchers & extension professionals
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Field screening of tomato varieties resistant to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus and Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus in Hawai'i
Amber Tateno, Leyla Kaufman, Mark Wright, Jari Sugano, Ted Radovich, UH-CTAHR
Tomato production is one of the largest agriculture commodities within the Hawaiian Islands. Two detrimental plant viruses affecting locally grown tomatoes are Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) and Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV). Fifteen commercially available tomato varieties were chosen for their individual or dual resistance to TSWV and TYLCV, along with a susceptible control. Read here.
FMI: Leyla Kaufman, email: leyla@hawaii.edu or Amber Tateno, email: atateno@hawaii.edu
Interested in selling eggs?
Lynn Nakamura-Tengan, UH-CTAHR
The desire for homegrown foods has inspired people to raise chickens for fresh eggs. Few producers have gone beyond home use and are selling their shell eggs. Depending on where you are selling your shell eggs, there are state rules you need to know.
Read here.
FMI: Lynn Nakamura-Tengan, email: lynnnaka@hawaii.edu;
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| Publications & Programs
for sustainable and organic production systems
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New from CTAHR 
Food Producing Landscapes
 A series of new publications focusing on low-input and sustainable techniques for food producing landscapes in Hawai'i and other Pacific islands
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| CRATE: Center for Rural Agricultural Training and Entrepreneurship |
CRATE is a USDA NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) funded grant for Small and Medium-Size Farm programs to develop sustainable agricultural practices that rely on efficient use of on-farm resources, integrate natural biological cycles and controls, to promote local community entrepreneurship in the tropical Pacific region.
In this column, the CRATE team will publish recent project activities that will help local farmers to explore competitive and economically viable organic crop production methods.
 Integrated Disease Management on Banana Orchards
K-H. Wang, UH-CTAHR
Banana production in Hawaii as well as many other islands in the Pacific is challenged by multiple pests and diseases. Among which, banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) transmitted by banana aphids, black sigatoka disease, and various plant-parasitic nematodes are most economically damaging. Updates on research conducted to manage BBTV and plant-parasitic nematodes are available. Read here.
FMI: Koon-Hui Wang, email: koon-hui@hawaii.edu.
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| From the AgriBusiness Incubator |
Cash Flow: Determine how much cash you need to operate your business
Steven Chiang
Director, UH Agribusiness Incubator Program
A cash flow projection enables you to anticipate how much cash is expected to flow in and out of your business. It is a forecast of your company's cash income and expenses on a periodic basis (e.g. weekly or monthly). Preparing a Cash Flow Statement allows you to predict cash shortfalls and financing needs, and allows you to plan for investments and expenditures. Read here.
FMI: Steve Chiang, email: schiang@hawaii.edu
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| Organic Update |
NEW summer course in Organic Agriculture offered by CTAHR
UH CTAHR is excited to announce a new 4-week, 3-credit class that will be offered in Summer 2015 at the Manoa campus on Oahu, with opportunity for additional farm tours on a neighbor island. Registration for the course will begin in early 2015 and is anticipated to fill quickly. Click here for more information and forward it to anyone who may be interested!
Contact Dr. Ted Radovich (theodore@hawaii.edu) for additional information.
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For New Farmers
GoFarm Hawaiʻi
UH's GoFarm Hawai`i program is kicking off another round of beginning farmer training at all three locations with its AgCurious seminar. If you are interested in becoming a farmer in Hawaii you should attend this seminar. Hear about farming in Hawaii from real farmers, and about the program from students and organizers. The seminar is free and your first step to participating in the renowned GoFarm Hawai'i program.
Kauaʻi
Windward Oʻahu
Leeward Oʻahu
3/26/15 (5:30-8:00pm), Leeward Community College, Room GT-105
RSVP to leeward@gofarmhawaii.org
The GoFarm Hawaii training is open to all adults, no college enrollment required. See www.gofarmhawaii.org for more information.
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Moloka'i Native Hawaiian Beginning Farmer Program Newsletters
November 2014: Planting in Crooked Lines
December 2014: Playing in the Rain
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| Citizen Science: Basil Variety Trial |
Dr. Daniela Elliott, Leeward Community College
A new initiative by Leeward Community College's Plant Bioscience and Tropical Agriculture (PBT) degree program is providing horticulture students with the opportunity to conduct scientific research and work side-by-side with farmers, researchers and agricultural professionals. During the Fall 2014 semester, twenty students enrolled in Horticulture 110 completed a basil variety trial. Read here.
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| Workshops | Conferences | Meetings |
Soil Health Workshop Series
In collaboration with program partners, USDA NRCS, CTAHR's Centre of Rural Agricultural Training and Entrepreneurship (CRATE) and Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program's (SOAP) will host two educational field days showcasing the diversity and benefits of cover crops; no-till farming systems; cover crop calculations, locally available nutritional supplements; and so much more.
Please join CTAHR & USDA NRCS as we celebrate soil health at our first field day of 2015.
Waimanalo
- Wednesday, January 28, 2015
- Waimanalo Research Station, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Lectures start at 2:00 pm in the classroom: Topics include: Introduction to soil health, Soil health indicators, Benefits of no till farming systems, Benefits of cover cropping, Development of a cover crop calculator for Hawaii.
Hands on demonstrations at 2:45 pm on the front lawn: Soil slaking test; assays for water runoff and water percolation properties with simulation rainfall, Bring your own soil for assessment, Compost tea brewing systems, Compost quality booth, Display of different types of cover crops, Tea-fertigation injection systems used in Waimanalo.
Poamoho
- Saturday, February 7, 2015
- Poamoho Research Station, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Outdoor power point presentations start at 9:30 am: Benefits of no-till farming - the power of soil food web, Soil slaking test; assays for water runoff and water percolation properties with simulation rainfall, Benefits of cover cropping, Potential cost savings with cover crop use, Development of a cover crop calculator for Hawaii.
Field observation, demonstrations, and video presentations: Comparing single vs. mixed cover crops in long-term no-till farming plots, Soil health indicators using nematodes, Leguminous cover crops in till vs. no-till farming systems, Symphony of the soil (video), The benefits of vermicomposting (video), Jeopardy game to reinforce cover crop identification.
For more information contact Jari Sugano (suganoj@ctahr.hawaii.edu) or Jensen Uyeda (juyeda@hawaii.edu).
Hawaii Agtourism Kauaʻi AgriTourism Conference
Is AgriTourism Right for Your Farm?
How the Seal of Quality Program Ties in with AgriTourism
Introduction to Funding Sources: RFP to Writing a Proposal
Opportunities in AgriTourism and Other Services
- Wednesday, January 28, 2015 8:30am to 12pm
- Kauaʻi Community College Office of Continuing Education & Training (OCET) Meeting Room 106, 3-1901 Kaumualii Highway, Lihue, HI 96766
- RSVP Monday by 1/26/15 to hdoa.md@hawaii.gov. No fee but registration is required.
Master Food Preserver Certificate Program
Taught by Master Food Preserver Ken Love, executive director of HTFG and the Hawaii Master Food Preserver Program, the 64-hour training session is targeted to individuals looking to expand their knowledge of safe, home food preservation-plus learn the business side of selling syrups, preserves and sauces. Learn the steps for canning fruit and vegetables, plus pickling, fermenting and more. Participants must be able to commit to an eight-day training and volunteer at least 20 hours in a year. Graduates earn a master food preserver certificate from UH-Hilo.
- Kona: February 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 23 and 24 at the classroom/kitchen at 81-6393 Mamalahoa Hwy. in Kealakekua. Applications are due January 28.
- Hilo: March 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 23 and 24 at the Komohana Research and Extension Center, 875 Komohana St. Applications are due February 16.
- Tuition is $100.
- Apply by contacting CCECS 808-974-7664 or ccecs@hawaii.edu.
- http://hilo.hawaii.edu/academics/ccecs/MasterFoodPreserver.php
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Videos & Webinars
Soil Nutrient Management In Times of Drought
Free Online Series & "Virtual Field Days", presented by UC SAREP, FarmsReach and Sustainable Conservation as part of the ongoing Solution Center for Nutrient Management Series. The Soil Nutrient Management Series offers:
- Online presentations and videos by experts and advisors, highlighting tree crops, wine grapes, and dairy forage crops.
- Facilitated online Q&A and discussions, moderated by Series presenters.
- New "Soil Nutrient Management Toolkit" in FarmsReach, with practical resources and info sheets.
- New "Soil Nutrient Management Solution Center" in the UC SAREP website, containing comprehensive research materials and resources.
For updates and to participate, go to www.farmsreach.com/nutrient-mgmt-series. To join the group, sign up at http://www.farmsreach.com - it's free & takes minutes.
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| FMI / FYI |
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 Resources Conservation Act Roundtable
The Farm Foundation held a Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act (RCA) roundtable in Kunia recently to collect valuable input from farmers and ranchers in the islands. More than 40 producers and agency partners came together for a productive session on addressing conservation on our islands' natural resources. Read here.
Hawaii AgriTourism Association
The Hawaii AgriTourism Association (HATA) is committed to developing economic opportunities & education for farmers, ranchers & flower nurseries through ag tourism. Your support directly resulted in HATA's growth & sustainability with:
- A New Online Meeting Format for members to participate from the convenience of their own computer, ipad, iphone or android device.
- Ag Tourism advocacy and legislative efforts to keep members informed on County and State bills affecting all ag tourism farms & ranches statewide as well as funds "small informative gatherings" at member farms.
- Marketing - HATA website revisions to include Member's Farm's Guidance to Host a "Open House" event to promote your farm/ranch in your area
- Member Education & Business Development via New videos posted on HATA You Tube channel on Start up, Liability & Risk Management, Marketing & Branding of your farm, nursery or ranch.
Support HATA by joining or renewing your membership!
Join or Renew here: http://www.hiagtourism.org/?page_id=180
Federal Conservation Resources for Sustainable Farming and Ranching
This publication offers an overview of the major federal conservation programs that provide resources for farmers and ranchers to enhance and maintain sustainable farming and ranching practices.
https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=280
USDA Opens VIVO Research Networking Tool to Public
VIVO, a Web application used internally by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists since 2012 to allow better national networking across disciplines and locations, is now available to the public. USDA VIVO will be a "one-stop shop" for Federal agriculture expertise and research outcomes.
Link to VIVO: http://vivo.usda.gov/
Biorationals: Ecological Pest Management Database (ATTRA)
What are biorationals? Although there is no universally accepted definition, in the context of this database, "biorational" refers to pesticides in one of the following categories:
- microbial pesticides: formulations of viruses, bacteria, fungi, or nematodes that have low non-target impacts;
- pesticides derived from plants that have low non-target impacts and degrade into non-toxic components; and/or
- various new types of pesticides, such as particle film barriers, pheromones, and compounds such as Spinosad, that have low non-target impacts and degrade into non-toxic components.
Link to the DATABASE here.
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| Funding Opportunities |
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Grassroots Guide to Federal Farm and Food Programs
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition's (NSAC) Grassroots Guide to Federal Farm and Food Programs walks farmers, ranchers, and grassroot organizations through dozens of the federal programs and policies most important to sustainable agriculture and describes how they can be used by farmers, ranchers, and grassroots organizations nationwide.
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| Western Region Sustainable Agriculture and Education Program (WSARE) |
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.
- 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,
Jody Smith, e-Extension Manager
Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program
Cooperative Extension Service
College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
On-line version of newsletter available at
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Featured Farmer:
Justin Franzmeier
Wailupe Farms
& Island Foodscaping Waimanalo, O'ahu
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Area under production: Our area of production includes a 4 acre farm as well as the countless homes, businesses and schools we have foodscaped.
Years farming in Hawai'i: We have been in business since 2010.
Production System:
We are also a local landscaping contracting company working with clients to produce unique landscapes or what we like to call "foodscapes."
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HOT TIP
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Island Foodscapes |
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If there was one thing I learned over the past few years of organic farming is that mulch is your best friend. A good mulch source is a must to help suppress weeds and add organic matter to your foodscape.
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