Grant asks: I’m just starting to farm some land that I have owned for a while in South Kona. I have spoken to the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Kona Extension Agent Andrea Kawabata about possible crops and would like to expand my research on local crops and techniques before I plant. Can you offer any suggestions?
Grant asks: I’m just starting to farm some land that I have owned for a while in South Kona. I have spoken to the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Kona Extension Agent Andrea Kawabata about possible crops and would like to expand my research on local crops and techniques before I plant. Can you offer any suggestions?
Tropical Gardener answer: Congratulations for joining the Hawaiian farming community. We need all the dedicated farmers we can get to keep agriculture alive in our state. It’s heartening to hear from an increasing number of people who are joining the ranks.
Hopefully, you are available next Saturday and can attend the Hawaii Island New Farmer Expo. The all-day event starts at 8:30 a.m. in the Gates Performing Arts Center at the Hawaii Preparatory Academy in Waimea.
Well-known local farmer “Ginger John” Caverly is the keynote speaker. Caverly started out almost 40 years ago as an organic ginger farmer in South Kona and now owns Onomea Farm near Hilo, as well as the Sweet Cane Café, which serves three locations in Hilo town. Caverly is a wealth of knowledge about farming in Hawaii both east and west sides and will surely talk about marketing produce, as well.
Others, including Wes McLaughlin from Three Keiki Farm, Eric Batha from Big Island Produce and Kyle Studer from the Southside Farming Company, will share information on establishing viable farming businesses in Hawaii. Several more farmers will join in the morning presentations describing ways to succeed in farming here.
Waimea restaurant owners from Redwater Cafe and Pau Restaurant will speak to their relationship with farmers, outlining what they need and how they prefer to receive it. Melanie Bondera and George Bower will also be on hand to talk about their experiences growing and certifying organic crops.
The event will start with panel discussions and Q&A sessions in the morning. Several island organizations will also offer valuable information on topics including land acquisition, agricultural financing, business planning and farmer training programs as well as crop choice and production methods. Information on risk management with crop insurance and ways to add value to your crops will be covered in the morning as well as talks on branding and marketing.
After lunch, catered by Redwater Café, attendees will have an opportunity to visit the numerous organizational information booths, check out films on agricultural topics, attend focus groups and workshops or schedule one-on-one sessions.
This event is sponsored by Agrilogic Consulting, The Kohala Center, USDA and the Pacific Gateway Center. It is a must for anyone serious about pursuing a career in agriculture in Hawaii. The $25 admission fee includes access to the entire event, as well as a light breakfast and catered lunch. Registration by June 13 is required. Visit www.farmerexpo.eventbrite.com or contact the Kohala Center at 997-6411 for information or to register.
Email plant questions to konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu for answers by Certified Master Gardeners. Some questions will be chosen for inclusion in this column.
Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator and consultant living in a dryland forest north of Kailua-Kona.
Gardening Events
Monday: “Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers &Hawaii Farmers Union United” joint meeting from 5 to 9 p.m. at West Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers office 81-6393 Mamalahoa Highway in Kealakekua. Tour of the HTFG repository and Ken Love’s Farm followed by a potluck. Meeting at 7 p.m. on recipes for tropical fruit. For more information, contact Brian Lievens President West Hawaii Chapter at 895-8753 or greenwizard@hawaii.rr.com. All are welcome and encouraged to bring recipes, fruit and plants and a potluck dish to share.
Saturday: “Grafting Workshop,” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ma’ona Community Garden at 84-5097 Keala O Keawe Road in Honaunau, just above the rodeo arena. Ken Love will lead a hands-on learning session. Space is limited. Register at maonacommunitygarden@gmail.com.
“Work Day at Amy Greenwell Garden,” 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the visitor center across from the Manago Hotel in Captain Cook. Volunteers will be able to help with garden maintenance and are invited to bring a brown bag lunch. Water and snacks provided. Call Peter at 323-3318 for more information.
Farmer Direct Markets
Wednesday: “Sunset Farmers Market,” 2 p.m. to sunset at the HPM parking lot.
Wednesday and Friday: “Hooulu Farmers Market,” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay
Friday: “Pure Kona Market,” 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook
Saturday: “Keauhou Farmers Market,” 8 a.m. to noon at Keauhou Shopping Center
“Kamuela Farmer’s Market,” 7 a.m. to noon at Pukalani Stables
Sunday: “Pure Kona Green Market,” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook
Tuesday through Saturday: “U-Pick greens and produce,” 10a.m. to 4p.m. Tropical Edibles Nursery, Captain Cook.
Plant Advice Lines
Anytime: konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9 a.m. to noon at UH-CES in Kainaliu, 322-4892
Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays: 9 a.m. to noon at UH-CES at Komohana in Hilo:981-5199 or himga@hawaii.edu