Agricultural Learning Opportunities on Hawai’i Island
(Compiled by Zach Mermel, July 2008)
Introduction This sheet provides various resources for residents of Hawaii Island to learn more about agriculture on Hawaii Island.
Know your Farmer Alliance (KYFA) Summary KYFA is a grassroots educational and activist group of farmers, gardeners and others interested in ecological food production and local self-sufficiency on Hawai'i Island. KYFA aims to promote natural growing practices throughout Hawaii Island by lectures, seed exchanges, workshops, farm tours, demonstrations, meetings, networking and our own seasonal newsletters. Interested persons can visit the KYFA website at www.knowyourfarmeralliance.com. In East Hawaii, contact Lynn Howe or Geoff Rauch at 936-7040, or email [email protected]. In West Hawaii, contact Nancy Redfeather at 322-2801, or email [email protected]. Research Method Howe, Lynn and Geoff Rauch. Know Your Farmer Alliance . 2008. Accessed on July 22, 2008:
Hawaii Island Seed Exchange Summary The Hawaii Island Seed Exchange was established in 2003 as a way for farmers and gardeners island-wide to share saved seed, cuttings, roots, huli, and plants in order to increase food self-reliance on Hawaii Island. In recent years the Seed Exchange has been hosted at the Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Gardens on the Summer Solstice (June 21). Admission is free. Due to the potential danger of unknowingly spreading the “little fire ant” (Wasmannia auropunctata), none of the following are allowed at the exchange: bare rooted plants, seeds in pods or husks, leaf material, or plants in soil. For more information, contact Nancy Redfeather, Hawaii Island Seed Exchange Coordinator, at 322-2081. Research Method “Amy Greenwell Garden Hosts Seed Exchange in June.” Bishop Museum . 2008. Bishop Museum. Accessed on June 15, 2008:
East Side Seed Exchange Summary The East Side Seed Exchange was established in 2005, with “a vision towards helping others grow local foods from locally adapted seed and sharing our abundance and experience with like-minded eco-farmers and gardeners” (www.knowyourfarmersalliance.com). Hosted at La’akea Community every October, all seeds are given for free or traded. Admission is free. All are welcome to attend, whether or not you have seeds to share. Due to the potential danger of unknowingly spreading the “little fire ant” (Wasmannia auropunctata), none of the following are allowed at the exchange: bare rooted plants, seeds in pods or husks, leaf material, or plants in soil. 0b For more information about, and to obtain directions to, the East Side Seed Exchange, contact Geoff Rauch or Lyn Howe by phone at 936-7040, by email at [email protected], or visit www.knowyourfarmeralliance.com. Research Method Phone and email communication with Lynn Howe, co-coordinator of Know Your Farmer Alliance, on July 20, 2008.
Hamakua/North Hilo Agricultural Cooperative Potluck & Seed Exchange Summary
1
Agricultural Learning Opportunities on Hawai’i Island
(Compiled by Zach Mermel, July 2008)
The Hawai'i Farmers Union and the Hamakua/North Hilo Agricultural Cooperative (HNHAC) co- sponsor a Farm Community Potluck and Seed Exchange on the second Friday of every other month. Located at the ILWU Jack Wayne Hall building in Honoka’a on the Waipi'o, makai end of Mamane Street, the seed exchange begins at 4:30pm, followed by the potluck dinner at 6:00pm. The event is free. Home gardeners, farmers and other community members are most welcome. For more information, call 775-7159, or visit www.hawaiifarmersunion.org. Research Method Phone and email communication with Eden Peart, coordinator of the HNHAC Potluck & Seed Exchange, on July 28 and 29, 2008.
Hamakua/North Hilo Agricultural Cooperative (HNHAC) Summary Based in Pa’auhau, just outside Honoka’a, the mission of the Hamakua/North Hilo Agricultural Cooperative is to create a viable, environmentally sound, diversified economy based on agriculture. A legal cooperative entity, HNHAC began in 1994 as a way of empowering former sugar workers and others interested in agriculture with the opportunity to sublease land at an affordable rate for the purpose of farming. HNHAC holds two (2) leases from the State of Hawaii (one from the Department of Agriculture, the other from the Department of Land and Natural Resources) for the aforementioned purpose. HNHAC is also a clearinghouse for workshops and grants that relate to agriculture. HNHAC has approximately 400 members, 90 of whom are currently subleasing land. For more information, call 775-1107, or visit the HNHAC website at www.hamakuaagcoop.org. Research Method Phone and email communication with Eden Peart, coordinator of the HNHAC Potluck & Seed Exchange, on July 28 and 29, 2008.
Hawaii Island School Garden Network Summary A program of The Kohala Center ( see glossary), The Hawai'i Island School Garden Network includes garden teachers and active garden programs in all public, private, and charter schools on Hawai'i Island. The goals of the Network are: to help schools connect with community resources and volunteers in order to build school garden ecosystems and composting programs; to find funding opportunities for garden projects; to coordinate with state standards; to share and improve the various garden curriculums; to increase the consumption of locally produced foods, and to expand the number of Hawaii Island keiki with hands-on knowledge of how to produce food. For more information, contact Nancy Redfeather at 322-2081, or email [email protected]. Research Method Phone and email communication with Nancy Redfeather, coordinator of the Hawaii Island School Garden Network, on July 22, 2008.
Agricultural Leadership Program of Hawaii Summary Co-sponsored by the Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawaii and UH College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources (CTAHR) (see glossary) , the Agricultural Leadership Program of Hawaii provides training in leadership, collaboration, strategic planning and facilitation to individuals engaged in agricultural enterprises, community development, and organizational development. For more information about the training program, call (808) 956-9712, or email [email protected], or visit www.agleaderhi.org. Research Method
2
Agricultural Learning Opportunities on Hawai’i Island
(Compiled by Zach Mermel, July 2008)
Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawaii . 2008. Accessed on July 27, 2008:
CTAHR Master Gardeners Summary The CTAHR Master Gardener (MG) program offers certified training in home horticulture and pest management. There is an application process and requirements in order to become a certified Master Gardener. For information about MG training in East Hawaii (which lasts from late February through mid April), Andrew Kawabata at 981-5199 or email [email protected]. For information about MG training in West Hawaii (which lasts from late September through mid-November), contact Ty McDonald at 322-4893, or email [email protected].
Other activities offered by CTAHR include: sustainable coffee workshops; landscape maintenance training & irrigation school (West Hawaii only); rainwater catchment workshops; and livestock workshops/field days. For further information about the CTAHR programs, contact one of the following offices nearest you: o Komohana Extension Office: 959-9155 o Kona Extension Office: 322-4892 o Kamuela Extension Office: 887-6183 Research Method Email communication with Susan Miyasaka, interim CTAHR administrator for Hawaii County from May 28, 2008 through June 24, 2008.
HOFA (Hawaii Organic Farmers Association) Apprenticeship Program Summary HOFA’s Apprenticeship Program is designed to benefit both the apprentice and the farmer. The aim is to connect apprentices-to-be with organic farms/homesteads that can provide room, board, and/or a stipend in exchange for labor. HOFA’s Apprenticeship Program is connected with WWOOF, an international work trade organization (http://wwoofusa.com/), as well as Organic Volunteers (www.organicvolunteers.org), another work-exchange organization. There is the potential for apprentices to interact with particular crops or farms of their choosing. HOFA suggests that the expectations of both parties are lucidly clear, ideally in writing. It is important to note that some of the host farms are in remote locations, with limited transportation. Visit the HOFA website (www.hawaiiorganicfarmers.org) to obtain the HOFA Questionnaire for Farm Apprentices. Research Method “Farm Apprentice Program.” Hawaii Organic Farmers Association . 2008. Accessed on June 22, 2008: http://www.hawaiiorganicfarmers.org/appren.htm
Kaiao Community Garden Summary In 2007, Bodhi Searles wrote a proposal to the Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island (BGBCI) in an effort to create a community garden at the Club. The proposal was fully endorsed by BGCBI in early 2008. Since that time, UH-Hilo staff and faculty members, Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners and passionate community members have assisted with enhancing the garden. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3:30pm to 5:30pm during the school year, the primary focus is on youth projects in the garden. At the end of the day, keiki bring home fresh produce from the garden. Everyone is invited to participate in the weekly Saturday work party, from 9am to 11am. For more information on Kaiao Community Garden, contact the Boys and Girls Club at 961-5636. Research Method
3
Agricultural Learning Opportunities on Hawai’i Island
(Compiled by Zach Mermel, July 2008)
Phone communication with Bodhi Searles, garden coordinator of Kaiao Community Garden, on July 18 th , 2008.
Kawanui Farm Summary Kawanui Farm in Kainaliu on the Kona side is a 1.2 acre sustainable mini-farm. Tours are offered once every season. Kawanui Farm occasionally offers classes in home vegetable production, home orchard production, and home gourmet coffee production. For more information, contact Nancy Redfeather or Gerry Herbert at 322-2801. Research Method Phone communication with Nancy Redfeather on July 22, 2008.
La’akea Community Summary La'akea is a 23+ acre intentional community and permaculture ( see glossary) demonstration site located 4 miles from the town of Pahoa. La’akea Community began in 2005 when six people purchased La’akea Gardens, a site with a 15 year history of teaching permaculture. La’akea Community seeks to steward the land and continue the tradition of teaching permaculture while exploring other aspects of sustainability, such as interpersonal growth and the healing and creative arts. La’akea offers a work exchange program for interested persons. A cost of $12 per day covers communal organic meals and basic commodities such as soap and shampoo. Work exchangers/interns are required to work a minimum of 14 hours per week. Work exchangers will gain experience in many aspects of sustainable food/fiber production, from orchard managing orchards, gardens, and greenhouses, to harvesting bamboo and other timber crops, and the preparation of two meals each week. There is also the possibility of working on landscape design and renewable energy projects. Other tasks include participating in a weekly cleaning party and attendance at community meetings twice per week. La’akea offers a four-week internship from late July through late August. A maximum of 10 interns participate in workshops, hands-on farm work, and field trips to other permaculture sites around the island. Cost for the internship is $600. For more information about educational opportunities at La’akea, contact La’akea Community at 443- 4076, by email at [email protected], or visit the La’akea website at www.permaculture- hawaii.com. Research Methods Phone communication with Donna Willoughby, a community member at La’akea, on July 17, 2008. “Work Exchange/Intern Opportunities at La'akea Community.” La’akea Community . 2008. Accessed on July 17, 2008:
Uluwehi Farm and Nursery Summary Located a mile outside of the town of Hawi in North Kohala, Tom Baldwin and Shannon Casey offer 6- 10 week internships at their diverse 25-acre Permaculture forest farm. Interns will obtain hands-on experience in the cultivation of human habitats: gardening, pruning, nursery care, plant propagation, irrigation and water systems, tool care, and carpentry. Food and lodging is provided, in exchange for 35 hours of work per week (i.e., four to five full work days per week). Interns can bring their own tents, or may choose to set up residence in one of the sleeping structures. Interns should provide their own tools, toiletries and bedding. Five (5) interns can be accommodated at a time. Uluwehi Farm also offers various workshops, such as their 3-day “Permaculture Intensive” workshop each January. For more information, visit www.uluwehifarm.com, or email [email protected]. Also, see their posting on www.organicvolunteers.org.
4
Agricultural Learning Opportunities on Hawai’i Island
(Compiled by Zach Mermel, July 2008)
Research Method Organic Volunteers . 2008. Accessed on July 22, 2008:
Ginger Hill Farm and Retreat Center Summary Located in Kealakekua, Ginger Hill Farm & Retreat Center offers weekend workshops in Permaculture design. Courses are typically offered in January and February of each year. For more information, contact Mayumi Oda at 323-3964 or send an email to [email protected]. Research Method Phone conversation with Mayumi Oda on July 25, 2008.
Ginger Ridge Farms Summary Located in Mountain View on the Volcano Highway, Ginger Ridge Farms has been in operation since 1988. In 2007, Ginger Ridge Farms began a Community Supported Agriculture ( see glossary) program to provide local, organic produce to the community. CSA shares consist of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, depending on season and availability. A minimum/trial membership for the CSA is $100 for 1 month. A 6-month commitment is recommended. Pickups are every Sunday at 1pm at Ginger Hill Farms. Payments are due at the first pick-up day of the membership period by cash, check or credit card. Pickups in Hilo, Keaau, Pahoa and Kapoho are being planned as membership grows. For more information, contact Howard James at 968-7622, or visit www.howardjames.info. Research Method “CSA: Ginger Ridge Farms.” LocalHarvest . 2008. Accessed on July 23, 2008:
Adaptations, Inc. Summary Tane and Maureen Datta own and manage Adaptations, Incorporated, a 7.5-acre farm in Honaunau, on the Kona coast. The mission of Adaptations, Inc. is “to engage in ecologically sound community and land development based on organic farming, alternative energy and complimentary medicine.” A certified organic operation since 1987, the farm produces salad mix, herbs, edible flowers, medicinal plants and tree crops using intensive certified organic management. Crops from their farm and approximately 30 other farms are marketed to hotels and upper-end restaurants throughout Hawaii. Community- Supported Agriculture ( see glossary) members can choose between the “basic feast” and the “gourmet feast.” The “basic feast” ($19 per week) contains mostly raw salad items - lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a small amount of vegetables. The “gourmet feast” ($27 per week) contains all the items in the basic feast, with more vegetables and tropical fruit. Both options require a minimum commitment of 12 weeks. Members can pick up their shares at one of four drop points: Kealakekua, Kailua-Kona (2), or Waimea. For more information, contact Tane and Maureen at 324-6600, or visit their posting on www.localharvest.org. Research Methods Phone and email communication with Tane Datta, co-owner of Adaptations, Inc., on June 28, 2008. “CSA: Adaptations, Inc.” LocalHarvest . 2008. Accessed on July 28, 2008:
Agroforestry Net Summary Craig Elevitch owns and operates Agroforestry Net, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to empowering people in agroforestry ( see glossary) and ecological resource management. Through
5
Agricultural Learning Opportunities on Hawai’i Island
(Compiled by Zach Mermel, July 2008)
workshops, publications and the operation of Hawai’iki Research Farm, Agroforestry Net has become an internationally-recognized hub for tropical agroforestry. A 3-month advanced study internship in tropical agroforestry is also offered. This hands-on experience on an agroforestry research and demonstration site is geared toward those seeking a career in tropical agroforestry and related fields. The internship requires 30 hours of on-site fieldwork per week, plus additional hours per week working on a research project. Tuition for the 3-month internship is $500 (through June 2009, $1000 thereafter). On-farm accommodations are quite rustic. Interns must pay for their daily necessities, including the majority of their food. Upon successful completion of the internship, $250 ($500 after June 2009) of the tuition will be refunded. For more information, visit www.agroforestry.net, or email [email protected]. Research Methods Phone communication with Craig Elevitch, owner of Permanent Agriculture Resources, on July 9, 2008. “Advanced Study Internship in Tropical Agroforestry.” Agroforestry Net . 2008. Accessed on July 10, 2008:
Glossary
Community Supported Agriculture : In a Community Supported Agriculture operation, farmers and community members “invest” in the farm together, sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Typically, CSA members (also known as "share-holders") provide monetary support to the farmer so that the expected costs of the farm operation and the farmer's salary are ensured. In return, CSA members receive produce from the farm throughout the growing season, while simultaneously supporting local food production and the local economy.
Agroforestry : a system of land management that integrates different perennial crops using vertical space, timing and, in some cases, animals. An agroforestry system consists of as many as seven layers of plants, all of which are edible, medicinal or useful in some other way: a root layer, an herbaceous ground layer, a shrub layer, a vine layer, a lower canopy layer, and an upper canopy layer.
Permaculture : a wholistic design system that works with the patterns found in nature to create healthy, resilient human habitats. Permaculture seeks to regenerate degraded social, eco-nomic, and eco-logical systems in a manner that creates abundance.
Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawaii : The Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawaii (ALFH) trains leaders that can help create a healthy, thriving, sustainable agricultural sector in the Hawaiian Islands. Research Method “About Us.” Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawaii . 2008. Accessed on July 27, 2008:
Hawaii Organic Farmers Association (HOFA) : HOFA is a non-profit membership organization that administers organic certification in the State of Hawaii. HOFA was formed in September 1993 in response to the federally mandated Organic Food Production Act (OFPA) of1990. The mission of HOFA is to “protect the life of the land and the health of our communities through education about organic land care practices.” Research Method
6
Agricultural Learning Opportunities on Hawai’i Island
(Compiled by Zach Mermel, July 2008)
“About the Hawaii Organic Farmers Association.” Hawaii Organic Farmers Association . 2008. Accessed on July 16, 2008:
The Kohala Center : “The Kohala Center uses its unique island setting as a living laboratory and classroom to generate new knowledge about global ecological phenomena and provide systemic solutions to global environmental challenges, so that communities on the island and around the world can thrive-- economically, socially, and culturally.” Research Method “About the Kohala Center.” The Kohala Center . 2008. Accessed on July 15, 2008:
University of Hawaii- Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) : As the Land Grant college of the University of Hawai‘i, CTAHR is federally mandated to fulfill the University’s threefold Land Grant mission of instruction, scientific research, and outreach to address State needs. The mission of CTAHR is to “prepare students and all citizens of Hawaii for life in the global community through research and educational programs supporting tropical agricultural systems that foster viable communities, a diversified economy, and a healthy environment.” Research Method “About Us.” University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. 2008. Accessed on July 15, 2008:
Useful Websites www.localharvest.org : A website for locating farmers' markets, family farms, CSA programs, and other sources of local, sustainably grown food in your area. Research Method LocalHarvest . 2008. Accessed on July 15, 2008:
7