The program at the Kona County Farm Bureau’s annual dinner included a talk by Mary Robblee from Kona Soil and Water Conservation Service on the water cycle, from our farms to the ocean, and an update on coffee berry borer research by Bruce Corker, as well as the president’s report and elections.
The program at the Kona County Farm Bureau’s annual dinner included a talk by Mary Robblee from Kona Soil and Water Conservation Service on the water cycle, from our farms to the ocean, and an update on coffee berry borer research by Bruce Corker, as well as the president’s report and elections.
Many farmers are seeking changes in the “old guard” on the board and a challenge was afoot at this year’s meeting. Though most of the board’s recommended slate was voted in, the challengers will likely organize and garner more board positions in the future. Change often comes slowly because of our resistance to it, but allowing new, younger and sometimes dissenting voices to be represented may be necessary to keep the KCFB vibrant.
The newly elected members of the KCFB board of directors are Sara Moore, Kate Abbot, Andrea Kawabata, Larry Ford, Roy Honda, Melvin Kunitake, Joan Lamont, Devin Lowder and Stefanie Delmont. Board meetings are held the third Thursday of the month and guests with special concerns may ask to be included on the agenda.
The average age of farmers in Hawaii hovers around 60 and many members of the Kona chapter are even older. Attracting young people to farming and to the Farm Bureau is a challenge these days, and KCFB is working to attract new and younger members.
Every year it gives scholarships to young people pursuing agriculture-related careers. This year’s scholarship was awarded to Quentin Ikeno who will attend Western Washington University this fall.
The current Kona County education chair, Joan Lamont, has scheduled a workshop on Korean Natural Farming from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 17 and 24. Watch the website or call KCFB for more information.
KCFB represents coffee, fruit, flower, nut and vegetable farmers, ag tourism farms, ranchers and supportive nonfarmers. Our local chapter is part of a national organization that provides national and local political lobbying for legislation supporting and protecting farmers and farm land in a variety of ways.
As the fight for banning or simply labeling crops containing genetically modified organisms continues in Hawaii, the Kona County Farm Bureau is an ongoing voice backing citizen concern with the spread of genetically altered crops. Though the state and national Farm Bureaus are supportive of those growing genetically modified crops, many consumers feel we should know when genetically modified organisms are in the food we eat. Large, powerful and wealthy farm bureau members like Monsanto and DuPont oppose labeling for many reasons. Kona County Farm Bureau remains an insistent voice challenging their position.
The Kona chapter of the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation offers other services to our community, helping area farmers. The Keauhou Farmers Market is its shining star. The Saturday morning market offers opportunities for farmers to sell their crops and value added products. It also provides an opportunity for folks to meet farmers and learn about agriculture in Kona while supporting local farms, ranches and fishermen. You’ll find flowers, fruit, veggies, fish, natural meats, pet foods, nursery plants, herbal medicinals, locally made sausage and locally sourced Thai food as well as high-quality local chocolate, coffee and macadamia nuts. All vendors are Farm Bureau members and have lots of information about their operation and products to share.
The market recently began accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments, as well. This allows more residents to enjoy locally produced edibles.
Market manager Zarine Dorabji, as well as a farmers market committee handle the market’s daily operations. Other KCFB committees include organic agriculture, environmental stewardship, government affairs and membership. Notify a current board member if you would like to serve on any of the committees.
For more information, visit konafarmbureau.org or call 324-6011.
Diana Duff is an organic farmer, plant adviser and consultant.
Tropical gardening helpline
James asks: I just bought a new grafted mango tree. I have a choice of planting sites. What growing conditions do mangoes prefer and when can I expect it to produce fruit?
Answer: Mangoes grow best in hot, dry locations with less than 60 inches of annual rainfall. Plant your mango in a spot with full sun and adequate airflow but out of the wind.
Water your young tree frequently to get it established, but avoid water logging. Once established, deep weekly watering should suffice even in dry areas or every two weeks during wetter periods.
Mangoes thrive in rich, well-drained, deep soils and will usually flower and produce fruit within five years. The best fruit production occurs when the weather is dry during the flowering period, usually in the late winter or early spring months. Wind and wet weather during this period may cause damage to the flowers. The fruit matures three to five months after flowering which makes harvest season for most varieties in Hawaii run from June through September. Mangoes should be picked before they are fully ripe because they will soften and fall if not picked.
Mangoes are susceptible to several fungal diseases that can infect leaves, flowers and fruit. These diseases thrive in moist conditions so avoid overwatering and prune your tree as it matures to allow for good airflow in the canopy.
Email plant questions to konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu for answers by Certified Master Gardeners. Some questions will be chosen for inclusion in this column.