Providing science-based information to serve Hawaiʻi's Farming Community
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Sustainable & Organic Research &
Outreach News
News from Hawaiʻi's Researchers and Extension Professionals
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Sustainable Pest Management for Small-Scale Organic Sweet Potato Production in Hawaiʻi
Kekoa Larger1, Benjamin Wiseman1, Jensen Uyeda2, Landon Wong1, Melani Pitiki1, Roshan Manandhar, Koon-Hui Wang1
Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences1, Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences2, University of Hawaii at Mānoa.
Sweet potato is an important economic and cultural crop in Hawaiʻi, and although the farm gate value of sweet potato has been declining in Hawaiʻi, it remains the highest produced vegetable by weight. Sweetpotato production in Hawaiʻi is hammered by multiple soil-borne pests from different species of weevils, reniform and root-knot nematodes, to fungal pathogens. Most of these pests and pathogens have a major part of their life cycle underground which goes unnoticed by farmers until harvest. This makes soil health management an important aspect of sweetpotato pest management. A series of trials were conducted in Hawaiʻi looking at locally accessible integrated pest management approaches to manage multiple sweetpotato pests through the application of organic certified biopesticides, cover cropping and conservation biological control. Read the full updates on “Organic Sweetpotato IPM: from prevention to prescription” here.
FMI: Koon-Hui Wang
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Effects of magnetic fields on the vegetative growth of garlic (Allium sativum L.) cloves
Yiyuan Zhang and Nguyen Hue
University of Hawai’I at Mānoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences
Newsletter Summary
Farmers looking to boost garlic yields might benefit from using magnetized water, according to recent research. The study found that watering garlic cloves with magnetized water led to a 15.9% increase in root mass, a higher sprouting rate (16% vs. 4.5%), and no lodging incidents compared to standard water. Additionally, exposing cloves to magnetic fields had distinct effects: the north-seeking pole sped up sprouting and shoot growth, while the south-seeking pole promoted stronger root development. These findings suggest that incorporating magnetism into garlic farming could improve growth and plant stability, offering a natural method to enhance productivity.
Read the full "effects of Magnetic fields on the vegetative growth of garlic (Allium sativum L.) cloves" article.
FMI: Yiyuan Zhang
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Evaluating New Sweet Corn Varieties for Maize Dwarf Virus (MDV) Resistance Under Hawai'i Conditions
College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resilience (CTAHR) University of Hawaii at Manoa
Amjad Ahmad, Theodore Radovich, Jensen Uyeda, Joshua Silva, Eric Collier, Guadalupe (Trey) Rodriguez, and Shawn Meaney
Sweet corn farmers in Hawai’i face unique challenges from tropical climate conditions, including pests and diseases like maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDV) and maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV). To address this, the University of Hawai’i developed "Hawaiian Supersweet #9," a resilient, open-pollinated variety tailored to local needs. Recent trials compared nine new MDV-resistant hybrids to Supersweet #9, evaluating traits such as yield, sweetness, and disease tolerance at two sites. While the hybrids were sweeter and matured quickly (55-60 days), they were shorter and had similar yields to the local variety. Farmers can use the results from the "Evaluating New. Sweet Corn Varieties Maize Dwarf Virus (MDV) Resistance Under Hawai'i Conditions" findings to choose sweet corn varieties that best suit their goals for resilience and taste.
FMI: Amjad Ahmad
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Hui Koʻe ʻĀina: Worming Our Way to Sustainable Food Systems
University of Hawai'i at Manoa
College of Tropical Acgriculture and Human Resources
Travis Idol, Ted Radovich, Brent Sipes
In a world where food waste is a growing environmental and social challenge, the Hui Koʻe ʻĀina initiative is taking a transformative approach to creating a sustainable food system through the power of composting and vermiculture. By repurposing food scraps and organic waste into valuable resources, such as high-quality compost and vermicast, this innovative program not only reduces waste but also improves soil health and supports local food security. Led by a collaborative effort from the University of Hawaiʻi and community partners, Hui Koʻe ʻĀina is turning food waste into fertile ground for sustainability. In "Hui Koʻe ʻĀina: Worming Our Way to Sustainable Food Systems" article, you will explore how Hui Koʻe ʻĀina began, its progress, and the impact of this exciting project, which is bringing communities together to “worm” their way toward a more sustainable and self-reliant future.
FMI: Travis Idol
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CRISPR Genome Editing in Tropical Maize: Advancing Agricultural Sustainability at the University of Hawai’i
University of Hawaii at Mano College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Alana Marie Barros, Megdelena Perkins
Selective breeding has long been the backbone of crop improvement, but recent advances in CRISPR technology are revolutionizing the process by allowing precise gene editing for improved traits like yield, resilience, and nutrient content. Unlike traditional breeding methods, CRISPR enables scientists to make targeted changes to a plant's genome without introducing foreign DNA, offering faster and more efficient ways to address agricultural challenges like climate change and food security. At the University of Hawai'i, researchers are applying CRISPR to tropical maize, aiming to improve its adaptability to different climates and boost its resistance to drought and other stresses. This innovative approach has the potential of helping farmers produce more resilient crops while reducing reliance on chemical inputs. However, as with any new technology, ethical and ecological considerations must be carefully managed to ensure its responsible use. Read "CRISPR Genome Editing in Tropical Maize: Advancing Agricultural Sustainability at the University of Hawai’i" in full as UH students share their hands-on learning experience as participants of a CRISPR workshop.
FMI: Megdelena Perkins
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Other CTAHR Publications & Programs
for sustainable and organic production systems
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Organic Corner + University of Hawai'i Organic Transition (UHOT)
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The University of Hawai’i Helps Interested Farmers Transition to Organic
U.H.O.T. (University of Hawai’i at Mānoa Organic Transition Program) is a TOPP partner program dedicated to fostering organic workforce development, providing organic transfer and certification guidance, mentoring services, technical assistance, and community building in Hawaii. Learn more at UHOT.org
The TOPP (Transition to Organic Partnership Program) is a 5-year collaborative partnership network covering six regions. The University of Hawai’i at Mānoa Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program, in partnership with CCOF as the Western Region lead, Hawai’i Farmers Union United and Ma’o Farms to provide mentoring services, technical assistance, community building, and organic workforce development for transitioning and exciting organic farmers.
The National Organic Program (NOP) Develops New Tool to Help Producers and Handlers Connect with USDA Accredited Certifiers
The National Organic Program (NOP) has recognized the challenges faced by those interested in applying for organic certification, particularly in knowing where to begin. They understand that searching for a certifier and researching separate certifier websites can be time-consuming. To address this challenge, the NOP has created a tool to help potential applicants express their interest to certifiers.
Anyone interested in attaining organic certification can now use the Organic Certification Interest Form to answer a few questions about their business activities and products they want certified organic. Completed interest forms will automatically be sent to certifiers accepting new applicants. Certifiers who provide the services an applicant needs can then contact the applicant directly to provide more information about their services and application process.
The NOP hopes this new tool will ease the process for producers and handlers and help them connect with the right certifier. They encourage those interested in getting certified, or anyone in their community to please visit or share: https://go.hawaii.edu/Gkb
Changes to National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances in Organic farming.
In August, the USDA announced the National Organic Standards Board's (NOSB) 2025 Sunset Review of the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances is renewing 47 substances until 2030.Within the USDA organic regulations is the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (or “National List”). The National List identifies the synthetic substances that may be used and the nonsynthetic (natural) substances that may not be used in organic crop and livestock production. It also identifies the nonorganic substances that may be used in or on processed organic products.
Synthetic inputs that will continue to be allowed include: newspaper or other recycled paper, without glossy or colored inks as both mulch and compost feedstocks and plastic mulch and covers (petroleum-based other than polyvinyl chloride (PVC)). Plastic mulches may be used on the soil surface only and must be removed before they degrade, typically within 3-5 years.
The complete list of renewed substances is available in the Federal Register notice (https://go.hawaii.edu/bkV) published August 8, 2024. A renewal means the substance keeps its status as being allowed or prohibited in organic production and/or handling. The NOSB must review every substance on the National List every five years to confirm that it continues to meet criteria required to remain on the list.
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HFUU is looking for both interested farmer participants and for experienced mentors. It has been decided to roll out the program statewide and HFUU is seeking applicants from all islands! There has been a lot of interest in the program and we thought it would be best to roll things out as quickly as possible.
Please reach out to organictransitions@hfuu.org and we will get you an application! Once you are signed up as an interested farmer, the Project Coordinator will get you the application form. Once it has been returned, there will be an initial interview to learn more about your farming operation before being paired with a mentor to begin your journey to becoming an organic farming operation!
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At the Kailua Women’s Community Correctional Center, a unique partnership with the Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle and Master Gardeners has transformed a former classroom site into a thriving hydroponic farm and nursery. This initiative not only produces fresh vegetables for the inmates and local stores but also offers agricultural training to women nearing release. Dubbed the "Hydro Crew," participants learn hands-on farming techniques, including hydroponics, pest management, and plant care, through tailored workshops. These skills prepare them for careers in agriculture while fostering personal growth. As one inmate shared, in the article "Master Gardening for the Women’s Community Correctional Center Inmates", caring for plants replaced past destructive habits with a “healthy obsession” for farming.
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Ornamentals Statewide Pest Needs Assessment
Please help inform CTAHR's ornamental crop pest management extension program through filling out the following needs assessment. This survey will directly impact the programming for a statewide ornamental entomology extension outreach and research program. Please fill out the form online using the link below.
https://forms.gle/R4yDTxBwK4XRtLMS9
Or use the attached form and email to Dr. Pascal Aigedion-Atalor.
atalor@hawaii.edu
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NRCS Pacific Islands Area Accepting Second Round of Applications for 2025 Funding
The Natural Resources Conservation Service in the Pacific Islands Area is accepting a second round of applications through Jan. 31, 2025, for agricultural producers seeking funding for conservation projects in 2025.
Full News Release
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Webinar Mini-Series: Advancing Tropical Soil Health in the U.S. Caribbean and Pacific Islands Area
This webinar mini-series is designed to create learning opportunities related to tropical soil health management in the U.S. Each webinar will allow ample time for questions and discussion. We hope to have a participatory audience of farmers, technical service providers, researchers, agency personnel, NGO staff, and anyone else interested in soil health.
You can choose to attend one or more of the following webinars.
Dec 19, 2024 10:00 AM
Jan 9, 2025 10:00 AM
Jan 23, 2025 10:00 AM
Feb 6, 2025 10:00 AM
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Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab to Assist Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE-SPIL)
Worldwide, emergent restrictions on the use of single-use and plastic packaging will limit access of specialty crops to global markets1. Therefore, Clemson University and The Foundation for Fresh Produce (FFP) of the International Fresh Produce Association are partnering with the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) to implement the Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab of the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports program (ASCE-SPIL)2 by the United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS).
FFAR is accepting applications, on behalf of Clemson University and FFP, for the Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab program to develop packaging and packaging alternatives for specialty crops compliant with the emergent packaging regulations in the EU, UK, Canada, Japan and other key markets. To register for the upcoming Informational Webinar on January 13, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. EST please click here. For more information on applying, please click here.
Applications open: December 11, 2024
Applications due: February 12, 2025, by 5 p.m. EST
Informational Webinar: January 13, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. EST
Register to attend
Download the full RFA.
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2025 Agriculture Farm Expansion Grant
The Kauai County Office of Economic Development (“OED”) is requesting proposals for the Agriculture Farm Expansion Grant Awards for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year. Project funding period will be March 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. The intent of the grant program is to advance Kauai’s agricultural industry through targeted investments in the expansion of farming across the island. Proposals submitted shall be reviewed and considered for the receipt of funding, to proposed projects or program budgets for applicant organizations.
Deadline for Proposals 4:00pm HST, Thursday, January 2, 2025
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Pakini loan fund for small businesses
The new Pakini loan fund program offers loans from $1,000 to $30,000 for small businesses in Hawaiʻi. While the Pakini fund prioritizes serving Native Hawaiians living and working in the Waiʻanae Moku on Oʻahu, the program fund is open to all eligible small businesses in Hawai'i. Visit their website for more information.
Solution Focused
- Provide financial products and services, including loans and financial/business education.
- Collaborate with other financial institutions and financial service providers to support our participants.
- Provide 1:1 business consulting to prepare our participants and strengthen their ability to secure traditional funding.
- Support our participants through the process by being a Hawaiian-culture-based model and reinforcing the inherent strengths of our community.
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The Office of Economic Revitalization (OER) was created to drive the City and County of Honolulu's economic development strategy.
OER works with partners to create an economy for Oʻahu that is more resilient, diverse, equitable, and filled with good jobs that care for our people and our place. OER provides information and opportunities for small business owners, job-seekers, farmers, innovators, community-based organizations, and everyone who is doing their part to improve the quality of life on Oʻahu.
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Kubota-Hawaii AgTech Collaboration
The Kubota-Hawaiʻi AgTech Collaboration represents a unique opportunity for Kubota to expand its market presence and product offerings in Hawaiʻi, North America, and potentially the Pacific Island nations. Hawaiʻi serves as a strategic hub for the Pacific region, offering a gateway for introducing innovative agricultural technologies to a diverse and dynamic market. By collaborating with a partnership of producers, researchers, and trainers, Kubota can address specific challenges in food production, further enhance its reputation, and drive sales growth in potentially new segments.
This partnership aims to leverage the strengths of the Hawaiʻi Island Agriculture Partnership (HIAP), the Hawaiʻi Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ), and the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). The collaboration will focus on identifying market needs, showcasing advanced agricultural equipment, and facilitating knowledge transfer.
The Kubota-Hawaii AgTech Collaboration would like to get 40 more farms to participate in the tractor survey by Jan 15, 2025
Survey: https://www.hiagpartnership.org/kubota
For more information: https://www.hiagpartnership.org/properties/kubota-hawaii-agtech-collaboration
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Compost Reimbursement Program
The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) Plant Industry Division is accepting applications for the Compost Reimbursement Program for Fiscal Year 2025, which may reimburse agricultural producers (including farming and landscaping operations) for the cost of purchasing compost, including transportation costs.
Farming and landscaping operations may apply for reimbursement of up to 50 percent of cost of compost purchased between July 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025. Reimbursements under this program are not to exceed $50,000 per qualified applicant.
Under the reimbursement program, compost must be purchased from a certified processor, retailer or wholesaler licensed to do business in Hawaiʻi. In addition, certified Hawaiʻi processors are limited to those companies regulated under the Hawaiʻi Department of Health Solid Waste Management Program.
Compost Reimbursement Program Fact Sheet 2025
Compost Reimbursement Form A (2025)
Compost Reimbursement Form B (2025)
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CTAHR Ag Navigator 2.0 Program
The Seeds of Wellbeing team is seeking 10 Ag Resilience Navigators to serve Hawai'i's agriculture community. Recruited Resilience Navigators will serve for 1-year and receive a $2,500 stipend after completing the following requirements:
- 3x in-person retreats in April, July, & October(dates and locations TBD)
- 2x in-person networking event on O'ahu | February 27th, 2025 & September 5th, 2025
- 6x bi-monthly zoom sessions on the Third Thursdays 4:00pm-5:30pm
- Complete a pre-post evaluation survey
- Complete two virtual mental health trainings (QPR & CMMT)
Applications close December 31st, 2024
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Cornell Small Farms Program, The Promise of Urban Agriculture, Online Courses for Growers and Planner
The Promise of Urban Agriculture,” RPUA draws on the evolution of 14 urban farms, and insights from over 150 policymakers, urban planners, funders, and nonprofit and community organizers engaged in local food systems and urban farming to uncover the policies, resources, and future research and development needed to support the successful development of commercial urban farms. Gain the critical knowledge needed for creating or supporting successful commercial urban farms. We use the term 'commercial' to include any farm that sells products to support some or all of the farm's activities.
Training closed: January 31, 2025
For more information on this opportunity please click here.
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Livestock Wala'au: Livestock Podcast
Livestock Wala'au podcast presented by the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. This podcast serves as a way for the livestock community to connect, talk story, and learn.
Listen to the Podcast
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Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC)
The USDA announced that it will be accepting applications from specialty crop producers for the $2 billion Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program that is designed to help expand markets and manage higher costs. The application period runs from December 10, 2024, through Jan. 8, 2025 so applications must be submitted in a timely manner.
MASC helps specialty crop producers meet higher marketing costs related to:
- Perishability of specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, floriculture, nursey crops and herbs;
- Specialized handling and transport equipment with temperature and humidity control;
- Packaging to prevent damage;
- Moving perishables to market quickly; and
- Higher labor costs.
Eligible established specialty crop producers can apply for MASC benefits by completing the FSA-1140, Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) Program Application, and submitting the form to any FSA county office by Jan. 8, 2025. When applying, eligible specialty crop producers must certify their specialty crop sales for calendar year 2023 or 2024.
New specialty crop producers are required to certify 2025 expected sales, submit an FSA-1141 application and provide certain documentation to support reported sales i.e., receipts, contracts, acreage reports, input receipts, etc. New producers are those who began producing specialty crops in 2023 or 2024 but did not have sales due to the immaturity of the crop, began producing specialty crops in 2024 but did not have a complete year of sales or will begin growing specialty crops in 2025.
Funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation and administered by the Farm Service Agency, eligibility and application processes for specialty crop producers who would like to participate in the program can be found here on the FSA website. Complete the necessary forms and submit them to the FSA County Office
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Western Region Sustainable Agriculture and Education Program (WSARE)
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SARE is a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute for Food and Agriculture that provides competitive grants and educational materials. Our grants programs are conducted cooperatively by farmers, ranchers, researchers, and ag professionals to advance farm and ranch systems that are profitable, environmentally sound, and good for communities.
The SARE grant program mission is to advance innovations that improve profitability, stewardship, and quality of life in American agriculture by investing in groundbreaking research and education. To achieve that, Western SARE believes that our programs must include the involvement of agricultural producers from inception to finish, and therefore we require producer involvement in the planning, design, implementation, and educational outreach of any funded project.
Western SARE Goals
• Promote good stewardship of the nation’s natural resources by providing site-specific, regional, and profitable sustainable farming and ranching methods that strengthen agricultural competitiveness; satisfy human food and fiber needs; maintain and enhance the quality and productivity of soil; conserve soil,
water, energy, natural resources, and fish and wildlife habitat; and maintain and improve the quality of surface and ground water.
• Enhance the quality of life of farmers and ranchers and ensure the viability of rural communities, for example, by increasing income and employment, especially profitable self-employment and innovative marketing opportunities in agricultural and rural communities.
• Protect the health and safety of those involved in food and farm systems by reducing, where feasible and practical, the use of toxic materials in agricultural production, and by optimizing on-farm resources and integrating, where appropriate, biological cycles
and controls.
• 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 is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).
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 Hawaiʻi's farming community.
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Mahalo nui loa,
Eric Collier Education Specialist and Managing Editor
Amjad Ahmad, Kylie Tavares & Emilie Kirk Co-Reviewers
Sharon Wages & Jensen Uyeda WSARE Content Reviewers
Theodor Radovich Editor-in-Chief
Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program
Cooperative Extension Service
College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
On-line version of newsletter as well as archived issues available at:
http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/sustainag/news/
Hawai‘i Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution providing programs and services to the people of Hawai‘i without regard to race, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, arrest and court record, sexual orientation, or status as a covered veteran.
Eric Collier | Education Specialist, Social Media & Web Manager | colliere@hawaii.edu
Copyright ©2013 University of Hawai‘i - College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. Updated 4 Nov, 2021
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