The Food Provider

April | May | June 2025

Grazing for a Safer Oahu: An Overview of a Natural Approach to Wildfire Prevention

Asia Broussard¹ Yunuen Bustamante ² ² Livestock Hele Imua intern, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations ¹Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Science

Oahu faces growing wildfire risks due to non-native grasses. This article discusses how targeted grazing with sheep and goats can reduce fine fuels, slow fire spread, and support land resilience. With proper planning, livestock grazing offers a sustainable, low-cost wildfire prevention method that also benefits farmers and local ecosystems. Read full "Grazing for a Safer Oahu: Overview of a Natural Approach to Wildfire Prevention"

FMI: Yunuen Bustamante

Evaluating New Turmeric Varieties for Hawai‘i: Results from the 2024–2025 Waimānalo Trial 

Ted Radovich, Eric Collier, Alana Marie Barros, Megdalena Perkins, Amjad Ahmad, Emilie Kirk, Kylie Tavares, Sharon Motomura-Wages, Jensen Uyeda, Rosemary Gutierrez-Coarite, Jennifer Hawkins, Josh Silva and Kevin Flanagan. Dept. of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences University of Hawai’i at Mānoa 

This report summarizes results from the 2024–2025 turmeric variety trial conducted at the Waimānalo Research Station. The trial evaluated five turmeric cultivars—including Hawaiian Red and two promising new lines, 18–013 and 18–023—for their yield performance under Hawai‘i’s growing conditions. The study found that 18–013 matched or exceeded the local standard Hawaiian Red in total yield, suggesting it could serve as a productive alternative for local growers. Meanwhile, 18–023 showed potential but lacked consistency. The variety BKK, while lowest yielding, may still have value in specialized markets focused on curcuminoid content. These findings highlight the value of locally conducted trials in selecting high-performing, resilient turmeric varieties that meet market and environmental needs. The research supports diversification of turmeric germplasm in Hawai‘i and reinforces the importance of ongoing trials to maintain the state’s leadership in premium turmeric production. Read full "Evaluating New Turmeric Varieties for Hawai‘i: Results from the 2024–2025 Waimānalo Trial"

FYI: Theodore Radovich

Sustainable Pest Management for Small-scale Organic Sweetpotato Production in Hawaiʻi

Kekoa Larger1, Roshan Paudel1, Koon-Hui Wan1Jensen Uyeda2

1Dept. of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences

2Dep. of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences

University of Hawai'i at Mānoa

Soilborne pests—including weevils and nematodes—pose major threats to Hawai‘i’s organic sweetpotato production. Field and greenhouse trials evaluated commercial biopesticides, locally isolated Metarhizium anisopliae, and cover crops. While no treatment controlled weevils in the field, the Combo treatment (rotating MeloCon and Molt-X) significantly reduced root-knot and reniform nematodes and improved yield. Tissue-cultured planting materials also enhanced plant vigor. Continued integration of biocontrol and soil health strategies is recommended. Read full "Sustainable Pest Management for Small-scale Organic Sweetpotato Production in Hawaiʻi"

FMI: Koon-Hui Wang

Using Papaya Ground Seed to Induce Systemic Resistance Against Root-Knot

Nematodes in Hawaiʻi

Lauren Braley1, Koon-Hui Wang1

1Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Root-knot nematodes (RKN) remain a year-round challenge for Hawai‘i’s growers, prompting the search for affordable, sustainable solutions. This study explored the use of ground papaya seed (PGS) crude extract as a natural soil drench to trigger induced systemic resistance (ISR) in tomato plants. Papaya seeds contain benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), a compound known to be toxic to several soil-borne pests. In both field and greenhouse trials, drenching with PGS extract at 1% concentration was the most consistently effective in reducing RKN infection. Importantly, the treatment also improved soil health and had minimal impact on beneficial soil nematodes. These findings suggest that discarded papaya seeds could be repurposed as a locally sourced, bio-based pest management tool. Future work includes confirming ISR at the genetic level and refining application methods through additional trials. This approach may offer farmers a cost-effective alternative for nematode control while promoting overall soil ecosystem resilience. See full poster "Using Papaya Ground Seed to Induce Systemic Resistance Against Root-Knot Nematodes in Hawaiʻi"

FMI: Koon-Hui Wang

Preliminary Trial 2025: Durability, Feasibility of Biodegradable Mulch

Joshua Silva and Amjad Ahmad

Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences

A preliminary trial on Oʻahu evaluated the performance of biodegradable mulch (BDM) compared to conventional polyethylene (PE) mulch in kalo (taro) production. BDM showed signs of deterioration after three months and became brittle by month five—still providing effective weed control alongside canopy shading from the kalo crop. While BDM eliminates labor and disposal costs by being tilled into the soil, it remains significantly more expensive than PE mulch, mainly due to high material and shipping costs. The only scenario where BDM proved economically viable was in place of woven weed mats that are discarded after a single use. Farmers are encouraged to trial BDM under their specific conditions, as climate can affect degradation rates. Though not yet cost-effective for most operations, BDM holds potential for future sustainable weed management as costs decrease and technology improves. See full article "Preliminary Trial 2025: Durability, Feasibility of Biodegradable Mulch"

FMI: Joshua Silva

Other CTAHR Publications & Programs

for sustainable and organic production systems 

CTAHR Publications

• The Use of Dwarf Tropical Fruit Trees as a Management Strategy    
• Red Palm Mite: A New Pest of Palms in Hawai‘i  

Organic Corner + University of Hawai'i Organic Transition (UHOT)

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. 

June Appropriations & Farm Bill Developments

On June 9, the Organic Farmers Association (OFA) released a key policy brief summarizing legislative proposals that could determine the financial trajectory of federal support for organic agriculture. As Congress debates the FY2025 appropriations package, the House has introduced measures to restore funding for several essential programs that were previously defunded or left unfunded in the stalled Farm Bill reauthorization. These include:

•  $8 million for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program

•  $5 million for the Organic Transition Initiative

•  Funding for organic research, market development, and supply chain improvements

The OFA urges all stakeholders to contact their representatives and support these provisions, emphasizing their importance for small- and medium-scale certified organic producers nationwide. This restoration is critical to maintaining momentum on issues such as climate resilience, food system integrity, and equitable access to certification assistance. Full policy brief

USDA Ground Beef Safety Alert – Organic Products

On June 4, 2025, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert concerning potential E. coli O157:H7 contamination in organic ground beef products. The products were distributed under the 'Organic Rancher' brand, packed on May 22 and 23, and bear use-by/freeze-by dates of June 19 and 20, 2025. Although no confirmed illnesses have been reported, FSIS advises consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers and to discard or return any affected product.

This alert underscores the need for robust food safety protocols across organic supply chains. Certified producers are reminded that enhanced traceability and compliance with food safety measures are now central to organic enforcement. Alert details

USDA Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE)

The USDA National Organic Program continues its phased implementation of the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) final rule, which came into effect in March 2024. The rule significantly enhances oversight across the organic supply chain, including:

•  Mandatory NOP import certificates for all organic imports

•   Supply chain traceability and fraud prevention requirements

•   Unannounced inspections and tightened accreditation for certifiers

These reforms are the most substantial updates to organic regulations since the original Organic Foods Production Act. Organic operations must ensure their recordkeeping, labeling, and supplier documentation meet new compliance thresholds. The SOE rule aims to reinforce consumer trust and protect the integrity of the USDA Organic seal.

Rule summary

U.H.O.T. Podcast: Why Organic in Hawai'i?

U.H.O.T. Podcast explores why local producers choose certified organic production. Local producers hearing from local producers.

Listen to Episodes 1 & 2

 Bilingual Agricultural Training Videos 

 The LIFE program supports local farmers across Hawaii by providing training materials in multiple languages and formats. This library of resources can be accessed from the farm and in the field! 

 Check out our 3-part series on Drip Irrigation Basics 

In English In Thai. In Ilokano. In Chinese.  

Our videos can be found on the SOAP YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@HIsustainAg/videos 

Click here for Poster

Master Gardenerʻs Corner

Sniffing Out LFA Invaders with Canines

By Cynthia Hara, Oʻahu Master Gardener

Little Fire Ants (LFA) are a growing threat to Hawai‘i’s farms, gardens, and native ecosystems. This article shares how trained detection dogs, including the author’s Labrador, Willow, are being used to sniff out LFA colonies early—before infestations become widespread. Through specialized training and field surveys, these dog-handler teams help identify new infestations, support nursery screenings, and contribute to long-term invasive species control. This canine-led approach offers a promising tool in the fight against one of Hawai‘i’s most persistent pests. Read Full "Sniffing Out LFA Invaders with Canines"

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!

For New Farmers

Crop Insurance for Organic and Transitioning to Organic Producers

Farmers can purchase insurance policies at a subsidized rate under the Federal Crop Insurance Program. In the event of below-average yields or revenue, depending on the policy purchased, the policy makes indemnity payments to farmers.

Crop insurance agents sell policies through private insurance companies. The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) subsidizes the insurance premiums and a portion of the companies’ administrative and operating expenses, and also shares underwriting gains and losses with the companies. This is a unique private-public partnership that is tax-payer funded, and on average, farmers are paying around 40% of their premiums.

Different crop insurance options exist for different types of producers.

Most of the information available to farmers about crop insurance options, deadlines, and details filters through a crop insurance agent, so it’s important to work with an agent who has previously served, or is interested in learning about the unique needs and challenges of organic and transitioning to organic producers. Some crop insurance agents specialize in organic farming. Since you’re not limited by location, choose an agent who understands your needs. Ask plenty of questions to gauge their experience with diverse farming operations.

• RMA Agent Locator can help you find a crop insurance agent near you.
• WFRP Agent Locator: Use this tool to find a crop insurance agent with experience working with Whole Farm Revenue Protection (more on that below).
• Contact your crop insurance agent for important dates for your crop. Be sure to submit your application by the Sales Closing Date and report your acreage by the Acreage Reporting Date. These dates vary by crop, state, and county. RMA’s Actuarial Information Browser provides applicable program dates by crop year.

CBB-CLR Pesticide Subsidy Program

Reimbursements for coffee farmers treating coffee berry borer and coffee leaf rust

The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2023-24 fiscal year of their coffee berry borer (CBB) and coffee leaf rust (CLR) subsidy program. Receipts from July 1, 2023–June 30, 2024 for approved pesticides to treat CBB and CLR may be reimbursed up to 75%. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2025. Apply here.

FYI & Events

Food Safety Summit

the Food Safety Summit happening at UH Hilo's Campus Center! This is a free event, but registration is required.

The Food Safety Summit will bring together experts and professionals to share their knowledge and experience on USDA Good Agricultural Practice audits and farm food safety practices with farmers.

Whether you are looking to learn in the keynote session by FreshPoint Hawaii (Armstrong Produce) and breakout session presentations, talk to vendors and service providers, meet produce buyers, or network over lunch, this event will be a valuable experience for every farmer!

In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture civil rights regulations and policies, University of Hawaii at Manoa Cooperative Extension is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

For information or to request an auxiliary aid or service (e.g., sign language interpreter, designated parking, or materials in alternate format), please contact us at ctahrgap@hawaii.edu at least seven days before the activity/event.

Refine Your Business Model



• On Thursday, July 17, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM for an interactive workshop on building a strong business model that supports your goals and delivers long-term value.
• Learn key elements of effective business models, explore different design frameworks, and gain insights on how to evolve your model as your business grows.
• Participate in guided exercises and group discussions to create a business model that reflects your unique strengths, market position, and customer needs.
• This workshop is presented by Uptima Entrepreneur Cooperative and funded by the  City and County of Honolulu's Office of Economic Revitalization as part of the SSBCI Hawaii Technical Assistance Program, supporting small businesses across Oʻahu.
• This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SSBCI-21031-0056 awarded to Hawaii Technology Development Corporation by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. For more details, visit  www.htdc.org or email us at info@htdc.org.

Finance Tips for the Entire Family

• Teaching Keiki About Finances is a three-part workshop series by INPEACE designed to help individuals and families build a legacy of financial wellness for future generations.
• Date: Monday, July 8
• Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
• This session empowers parents and caregivers with practical tools to teach keiki about money and help them grow into financially responsible adults.
• Participants will gain confidence in starting early conversations about finances, setting the foundation for lifelong success.

Participate in Our Agricultural Cost of Production Survey Research!

Project title: Survey for Crop Production Cost in Hawaii

Survey conductors: Catherine Chan, Sunjin Kim

Funding agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Dear Farmers,

We are conducting a research study on the costs of agricultural production in Hawaii, and we would like to invite you to participate in this crucial research. Your participation will help us gather data to make informed decisions, support agricultural policies, and ultimately improve the economic health of farming in our region. This year, we are looking for farmers who grow sweet potatoes, papayas, bananas, cucumbers, and green onions commercially. 

This survey is part of a project focused on:

• Updating Farm Costs: We aim to collect detailed information on the expenses involved in your farming operations, including both variable costs (such as rent, seeds, fertilizers, and labor) and fixed costs (like machinery, buildings, and land use).
• Analyzing Crop Production Costs: We will ask about the types of crops you grow, and the yields.
• How to Participate (Responsibility): On average, 1.5 hours to complete.
• We will conduct a face-to-face survey at your farm or at a location and time convenient for you.

Your personal and farm data is confidential and will not be shared with third parties. Only averages of the aggregated data will be reported.

Honorarium

• Eligible participants: $200 per farm

Contact Information:

If you have any questions or are interested in participating, please contact Sunjin at

sunjin47@hawaii.edu or 808-642-1729.

​

Thank you for considering participating in this important survey.

Sunjin Kim

Please feel free to share this announcement.

Hawaii Coffee Association 2025 30th Annual Conference, Trade Show & 16th Annual Statewide Cupping Competition

The HCA 2025 Cupping Competition officially opened registration starting April 1, 2025. 

Click here for the full set of official rules and submission guidelines.

For any questions, please contact:

Competition Committee Chair Liaison: Abby Muñoz – abby@monarchcoffee.com

Event Organizer: Tim Heinze – timheinzesea@gmail.com

Conference Registration:

Early-Bird Registration

Reservations at a special conference rate are now available at the

Outrigger Resort & Spa. Book online or call 800-688-7444. Room rates start at $269.

The number of available rooms is limited and we always sell out!

HCA Sponsorships and exhibits help you connect with the Hawaii Coffee community. For more information on sponsorship & exhibit opportunities, please click on the Sponsorship or Exhibit buttons, or, contact Scott Snyder at scott@royalaloha.com or 303.638.7502



Please consider lending your support by becoming our Sponsor, Exhibitor or Donor. Your generous donations will go a long way toward helping the HCA fulfill our mission.

Nutrien Ag Solutions Educational Seminar July 25, 2025 - Hilo

Nutrien Ag Solutions 2024 Educational Seminar

Friday, July 25, 2025

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Moku’ola Rooms 1 & 2

Registration: 7:00 a.m.

Program: 7:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (pupu session to 6:00 p.m.)

We’d like to cordially invite you and your employees to attend our Nutrien Ag Solutions Educational Seminar on Friday, July 25th to be held at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Moku’ola Rooms 1 & 2.

We’ll be having a full day of presentations from speakers with various areas of expertise addressing adjuvants, soil fertility, plant diseases, insects (beneficial and harmful), “biopesticides” and new chemistries and technologies, plant nutrition, water quality and other topics.

We’ll also have in attendance representatives from various Vendors/Manufacturers/Researchers that will have a display table set up from 7:00 a.m. and be available to answer any questions that you may have prior to the start of the seminar and throughout the day.

We also would like to invite you to hang around and join us at our pupu hour/ talk story session after the seminar for those of you who want to “unwind” and relax with the speakers, vendors, researchers, and other growers.

For those of you who will be attending from “off island”, attached is a hotel registration form from

the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel with very attractive rates.

If you have any questions, please contact Aaron Pruett at 808-209-6350 or aaron.pruett@nutrien.com.

With all of your support, we are positive that this will be another successful event that we can build upon during the coming years…

Please see the following for registration and hotel information here.

Click here for the full program agenda.

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



Western Region Sustainable Agriculture and Education Program (WSARE)

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.

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