Aloha,
Welcome to the Winter 2017/2018 issue of Hānai'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, Hānai'Ai, and other SOAP activities to serve Hawaii's growers. 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.
In this 'Olena the Hawaiian word for Turmeric (Curcuma longa), is a prominent focus. This crop has recently attained worldwide interest for its medicinal qualities, and is gaining popularity in production as a high valued crop in Hawaii as demonstrated by our Feature Farmer Kevin Flanagan. Additionally, we continue to highlight recent research in effectively using screen houses in sustainable growing.
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
Use of Resistant Varieties in Combination with Screen Systems
Sugano, J., L. Okumura, J. Silva, J. Uyeda, T. Radovich, S. Motomura-Wages, R. Corrales and K.H Wang
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, CTAHR
Replicated and observational field trials conducted to date have shown that screen systems provide excellent control of agricultural pest such as birds, fruit flies, Chinese rose beetles and Lepidoptera pests. Due to the difficulty of managing small insect pest such as whiteflies, aphids, thrips, mites, etc. with physical barriers along; it is important to use disease resistant varieties as well. Click here to read more implementing disease resistant varieties in screen house systems.
FMI: Jari Sugano, Email: suganoj@ctahr.hawaii.edu
Evaluation of Multi-Colored Carrot Varities
Uyeda J., J. Silva, J. Sugano, L. Nakamura-Tengan, J. Zee, N. Ooki, S. Wages, K. Wong, K.H Wang, T. Radovich, A. Ahmad
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, CTAHR
Carrots (Daucus carota) are commonly produced in temperate climates where varieties are bred to deal with longer photoperiods and cooler temperatures. In Hawaii, short day varieties are recommended for production in order to avoid bolting and flowering. A recent variety trial evaluated 24 commercially available multicolored carrot varieties for potential production in Hawaii. To see varieties are best suited to grow in our unique climate. Read here
FMI: Jensen Uyeda, Email: juyeda@hawaii.edu
D.I.Y Screen houses for Crop Producers in Hawaii
Koon-hui Wang
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, CTAHR
Constructing screen houses with insect exclusion nets for crop production offers an option to reduce pesticide applications and increase crop yields when challenging arthropod pests are economically damaging. This fact sheet compares the costs to construct different models of D.I.Y screen house in Hawaii.
FMI: Koon-hui Wang, Email: koonhui@ctahr.hawaii.edu
Curcuminoid Content of Tumeric Grown in Hawaii
J. Calpito, A. Huang, T. Radovich, and JP. Bingham,
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, CTAHR
Turmeric is historically important throughout the tropical Asia-Pacific region, including Hawai'i where it is known as 'olena. 'Olena has recently re-emerged as an high value crop in Hawai'i, due in part to increased demand world wide for its medicinal value. The anti-inflammatory effects and other observed health benefits of turmeric are attributed in part to compounds called Curcuminoids. Six (6) varieties of turmeric and 5 related species were field-grown in Waimanalo, O'ahu from May 2017-January 2018 and analyzed for their Curcuminoid content. Curcuminoid content of turmeric ranged from ~1-9% (13-94 mg/g) on a dry weight basis with the highest concentrations (9%) observed in 'BKK'. See poster here
Sources for Hawaiian-grown turmeric:
FMI: Theodore Radovitch, Email: theodore@hawaii.edu
UH CTAHR Macnut Variety Trial: Preliminary Data
Elihu Isele and Alyssa Cho
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, CTAHR
Hawaii has historically been the leader in the world for macadamia research and selecting commercial varieties. Many of the varieties currently produced are from the selection done in the 1930s. This preliminary data was collected from an assortment of mac nut varieties, originally planted by Dr. Mike Nagao in 2001, and were chosen for their high kernel quality and tree shapes.
FMI: Dr.Alyssa Cho, Email: acho@hawaii.edu
Trap Cropping and Biofumigation for Plant-parasitic Nematode Management
Philip Waisen and Koon-Hui Wang,
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, CTAHR
Biofumigation is the use of volatiles released from brassica plants that are toxic to a wide range of soil-borne pests and pathogens including nematodes. When using bio fumigant crops such as oil radish or brown mustard as cover crops, farmers can also benefit from their soil health improvement properties through proper termination time and methods. Read here.
FMI: Koon-Hui Wang, Email: Koohhui@ctahr.hawaii.edu
Publications & Programs
For sustainable; and organic production systems
New from CTAHR
Organic Agriculture Update
HOFA's Hawaii Organic Marketplace
It's back! HOFA's Hawaii Organic Marketplace (HOM), searchable by island, category, and keyword, is up and running! Want to know who grows organic livestock on Oahu? NOW YOU CAN. Visit, bookmark it, and tell your friends and customers all about it.
Growing More organic seeds
Organic Seed Alliance has developed a new seed economics toolkit. This online tool is designed to help farmers scale up organic seed production, increase their profits, and have more control over their seed supply. It includes tools and case studies related to contracting, enterprise budgeting, inventory management, and foundation and stock seed planning. Among the contents are webinar recordings from a day-long seed economics intensive held at the 9th Organic Seed Growers Conference in Corvallis, Oregon, in February 2018 .
Organic Integrity in the Supply Chain: Video for Certified Organic Handlers
Ever wonder how imported organic produced is verified as compliant with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) rules? The size and complexity of organic trade has grown over time, and many U.S. businesses rely on imports to meet consumer demand for certified organic products. The NOP has published a short video to review the responsibilities of organic handlers in verifying that organic imports comply with U.S. standards. The video also reviews the role of certifiers in overseeing imports and enforcing the standards. Watch the video here
New OFRF Grant Examines Biosolarization for Weed Control
Soil solarization is an organic method proven to provide weed, pathogen, and nematode control. Biosolarization, which incorporates crop residues with allelopathic compounds into the soil, is currently beings assessed as a beneficial addition to soil solarization programs. Click here to read more.
New Guides Help Organic Producers Access Federal Programs
Navigating through federal aid programs, such as the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) and the Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), can present its challenges. The Organic Farming Research Foundation has assembled guides that provide an overview of the programs, information on applying, contact information, and a glossary of terms. Click here to access the OFRF guides..
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
FMI/FYI
Hawaii State Farm Fair
July 14: Kualoa Ranch
The 56th annual Hawaii State Farm Fair, sponsored by the Hawaii Farm Bureau in partnership with the Hawaii State Department of Agriculture and Hawaii State 4-H Livestock Council will be held at Kualoa Ranch. In addition to fun for the entire family, some of Hawaii's freshest produce and most diverse plants will be for sale at the Kamehameha School's Country Market. Click here for more details. Saturday, July 14, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 15, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m!
The 2018 National Sustainable Agriculture Education Association Conference
July 27 – 29: The University of Hawaii at Manoa
The 2018 National Sustainable Agriculture Education Association Conference will be focusing on themes of indigenous knowledge, decolonization, and socio-ecological resiliency in agroecology and sustainable food systems education. The conference aims to demonstrate through presentations, workshops, field trips, and hands-on activities how the University of Hawai'i, as well as other indigenous serving institutions in North America, are working to promote traditional ecological knowledge and culture into post-secondary food systems education. Click here to find out more.
Hawaii Farmer Needs Assessment
The purpose of the Hawaii Farmer Needs Assessment is to understand the barriers and needs of farmers related to increasing food production in Hawaii. This 3-5 minute survey will help define the kinds of support, extension, training, research, and public policy that may best meet the needs of growers across the state. To learn more about this assessment click here, or go directly to the survey here.
A summary of the findings will be posted here in late 2018.
Parade of Farms
May 5th: Waimanalo Research station
Each year the Parade of Farms host, the O'ahu Resource Conservation & Development Council, aims to showcase a different geographic region of our island farms. This year the event was held at the Waimanalo Research Station, highlighting local farms agribusinesses on the windward side of O'ahu. Along with local farmers and businesses, CTAHR faculty and extension agents came out to share with the community current projects, as well as tips and tricks to use in the garden.
Industrial Hemp Pilot Program Begins
Hawaii Department of Agriculture
As of April 18, The Hawaii Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for their industrial hemp pilot programThe objective of the pilot program is to promote the cultivation of industrial hemp in Hawaii for the purposes of agricultural and academic research. Applications and more information can be found here
New Farmers
Molokai'i Farmers Quarterly
Local Seeds For Local Needs
Glenn Teves
University of Hawai'i Mānoa, CTAHR
The Hawaiian Islands have a diverse array of micro climates that include over 140 soil types and almost every climactic zone. This variability creates a unique situation for growers to find varieties that are well suited to their specific environment. To learn more about how Hawaii's growers have come together to identify the best cultivarsclick here.
FMI: Glenn Teves, Email: TevesG@ctahr.hawaii.edu
From the Agribusiness Incubator Program (AIP)
Business Planning
AIP and Erik Shimizu
Creating a clear and concise business plan is the first step towards developing a successful agribusiness operation. Highlighting current and future goals, as well as addressing financial, marketing, and operational plans will aid you in establishing your business. Click here to read some of GoFarm's Agribusiness programs tips on writing your business plan.
FMI: Erik Shimizu, Email: erikms@hawaii.edu
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.
Videos Worth Watching
Chefs A'Field is a television series that explores the important relationship between farmer and chef. The series highlights the essential need for farmer and chef relations in order to maintain strong local economies, sustainable environmental practices, and creating lasting community ties. Watch the all four seasons here.
To brose all of WSARE videos click here.
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
Giselle Bryant, technician and editor
Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program
Cooperative Extension Service
College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
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In this Issue
 Featured Farmer
SeaSons: Waimanalo, O’ahu
Area under production: 4 acres.
Years farming in Hawai'i: 5 years
Crops grown: Multiple turmeric varieties such as Black, Hawaiian Red, Mango ginger, and Indria yellow. Also, mangos, moringa, coconut, and hot house tomatoes.
Fertility management: Cover cropping system incorporating sunn hemp, buckwheat, and sorghum Sudan grass. We also incorporate bone and fish meal, as well as biochar that we produce on farm.
Read full article here
Mahalo nui loa to Kevin Flanagan for this interview and photos.
HOT TIPS
from SeaSons
Don't be afraid to experiment, explore, and create new ways to help your farm function more efficiently!
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