Latest Newsletter

This issue features articles by University of Hawai'i researchers discussing topics such as Shelterbelt trees for cacao, Biofertilizers in sustainable farming, silvopasture with seedless hybrids of Leucaena, and evaluating alternative static hydroponic solutions. This issue our feature farmer is Barking Deer Farm, located on Molokai.

This issue features articles by University of Hawai'i researchers discussing topics such as Integrated Pest Management with the use of essential oils to manage the Coconut Rhinoserus Beetle, Soil Health and White Clover, exploring methods in sustainable Maile production, place-based learning at the Urban Garden Center with 4-H youth and more.

This issue features articles by University of Hawai'i researchers discussing topics such as Sustainable Pest and Soil Management for Sweet Potato, the evaluation of Bexar insecticide against the Avocado Lace Bug, the use of hydrogel bait as an ant and tanglefoot for citrus mold control, the use of organic and conventional pesticides against the Diamondback Moth, and netting the invasive Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle as an Integrated Pest Management practice, just to name a few.

This issue is packed with a wealth of useful information for farmers and gardeners alike. If you're passionate about growing onions in Hawai'i, extension agent Jensen Uyeda has expert recommendations tailored specifically for our unique climate. Additionally, learn about lettuce production under shade cloth, and how researchers gained valuable knowledge from a neglected vegetable trial during the pandemic, where they unearthed resilient, low-input cultivars. Delve into the importance of cover crops for soil health, highlighted in the downloadable Hawai'i cover crops poster, along with a moment to recognize the wellbeing of our farmers with support from Seeds of Wellbeing.

This March 2023 issue of HānaiʻAi is packed with information for the producer and the home gardener. Our feature farmer article highlights the UH Seed Labʻs history and its contributions to agriculture. Other articles include integrated pest management of Chinese Rose Beetle on Cacao seedlings, establishing cover crop mixes, Skyline Conservation Initiatives, and Hawai'iʻs perception of farming and its impact on Hawai'iʻs farmers. Additionally, browse the beginning farmer quarterly, where the author Glenn Teves discusses Taro production. You will also read informative articles on growing table grapes and non-chemical weed management in small gardens.

This December 2022 issue of HānaiʻAi comes before the Holidays. All of us at SOAP wish you and yours Happy Holidays! This issue features some exciting articles, providing insight into alternative sweetpotato weevil management tools. For the home gardener, check out the article from our extension faculty which provides tips on how to successfully grow cilantro in the garden as well as chocolate making at home with "One Cacao Tree".

Many producers rely on the use and benefits from planting Sunn Hemp as a covercrop. Unfortunately, growers are seeing increased incidents in fusaruim on their Sunn Hemp, "Subbing Sunn Hemp with Sorgum grass in Fusarium Soils", provides insight into rotating sorgum and Sunn Hemp as a management practice. If you are interested in garlic production, take a look at the "Garlic Production Guide for Hawai'i" as well as "new farmer" grant opportunities and more.

This September 2022 issue of HānaiʻAi features a multitude of articles that both producers and gardeners will enjoy. Our featured articles include topics such as backyard and classroom hydroponic systems, soil management practices and an introduction to the National Resource Conservation Serviceʻs programs. Find out about available grants, as well as listen to a lecture on Nutsedge. Take a moment to browse new CTAHR publications, and get caught up with what is happening in the world of organic management at our Organic Corner and much more.

This exciting June 2022 issue of HānaiʻAi presents a good deal of information that you should find very helpful. We present a new ʻUlu Agroforestry Guide, and introduce an adapted ʻUlu propagation method for the ʻulu producer or those thinking about growing ʻulu. Please see the papaya seed repurposing for biofumigation use, detection of CBB, The Mango Loa Project, Sunflower days to maturity and programs at Oʻahuʻs Urban Garden Center.

This issue of HānaiʻAi is packed full of diverse information that you should find interesting and useful. Topics include implementation of cover crops and insectary plants into your field management, turmeric production and curcumin content, pest management for avocado lace bug, nematodes, and sweet potato weevils, highlights about ongoing aquaculture research in Hawai'i's loko i'a (fish ponds), and much more

In this issue you will find information about a Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus resistant variety trial conducted by CTAHR extension agents giving recommendations on which cherry tomato varieties are more resistant. In April of 2020, CTAHR Cooperative Extension conducted a needs assessment with a follow-up a year later. The assessment provides a picture of the ongoing impact the pandemic has had on Hawai'i's agriculture industry. You will also have access to several new CTAHR publications, available grants, upcoming events for the new year and more.

In this issue you will find information about tensiometers and DIY instructions, managing onion thrips, cacao cultivation using cages, CTAHR programs, up coming events and more.

In this issue you will find information about the benefits of incorporating sorghum and pigeon pea into your garden to increase soil health, nitrogen fixation, and biomass. There are also links to new CTAHR publications, a hurricane preparedness fact sheet, Basil variety trial, Western SARE updates, and more on topics relating to agriculture in Hawai'i.

In this issue you will find articles about Diamondback Moth insecticide resistance, Apivectoring, Macnut Cake for feed, and more.

In this issue you will find articles guiding coffee farmers to combat against Coffee Rust, info on the new pilot project put together by UH CTAHR and Sea Grant College Program, "GoFish". In addition, get updated on cool projects that can be done at home with keiki, presented by GET Local.

In this issue you will find articles that help producers harvest higher quality fruits with the use of harvest bags, determine your soil irrigation needs, new loans and assistance for beginner and existing farmers. Get up to date with content from the National Organic Standards Meeting Board, updates to the organic cost share amount, WSARE grant deadlines and more.

This issue features several great resources. You'll find articles about what is being done to combat asparagus crown and root rot, mitigating caterpillar damage to head cabbage using trap crops, and fun summer learning videos for teachers and the entire family.

This edition features several great resources. You'll find articles discussing Won Bok and Manoa lettuce variety trials, an update on biofumigation research to control soil pests and disease, and growing healthy seedlings for production. Get updates on what has happened in the organic world, resources to help prepare you in the midst of COVID-19, and read our feature farmer article, an insight into Kualoa Ranch and their diversified Ag operation.

You'll find articles about heirloom sugarcane's sugar content and juice analysis, models for enhanced screen houses geared towards your cucumber production, the use and importance of crop residues, and everyones beloved taxes and how you can get a leg up for next year's tax season. Get updates on what has happened in the organic world, upcoming events, trainings, and wonderful networking opportunities.

In this edition we are pleased to share some of the projects our CTAHR team and agriculture community have been working on to expand, promote, and improve local agriculture in Hawaii. Read about the application rates of biochar, disease management of banana production, cucumber and onion variety trials, FSMA inspections, upcoming events and more. We are here to help you with your farming needs!

In this issue our local extension agents highlight valuable resources that will assist growers in meeting food safety regulations. Additionally, the CTAHR team continue to research and develop crops like Māmaki , Celery, and Basil for production in Hawaii. Be sure to check out our feature farmers from Waimea's WOW Farms, and learn some of their tips to running a successful farm.

In this edition we are pleased to introduce you to SOAP's newest team members Emilie, Amjad, and Eric! As always we are excited to share with you the important projects our CTAHR team and agriculture community has been working on to expand, promote, and improve local agriculture in Hawaii. From vegetable variety trials, soilless production methods, sustainable pest management options and so much more, we are here to help you with your farming needs!

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.

Designing a sustainable agroecosystem is an overarching theme through this issue, highlighted by our Featured Farmer Don Heacock of Kauai Organic Agroecosytem. Don't forget to check our "back pages" for announcements regarding upcoming events and funding opportunities.

Food safety is a major focus of this issue of this issue of Hānai'Ai. We also visit Aloun Farms, a commercial vegetable farm with several farm sites in Oahu. And, as usual, check the "back pages" for funding announcements and upcoming events.

Organic nutrient management is a major focus of this issue of Hanai'Ai. We also visit our featured farmer, Farm Boy Hawaii, a papaya producing operation led by an innovative young farmer. And, as usual, check the "back pages" for funding announcements and upcoming events.

Organic pest management is a major focus of this issue of Hanai'Ai, with articles on organic-compliant pesticides and non-chemical controls using solarization and screen houses, plus lots of great new articles and publications related to sustainable and organic agriculture. We also visit Kahumana Farm, an innovative, long-standing certified organic farm-to-table operation that combines social services with commercial agricultural production. As usual, check the "back pages" for funding announcements and upcoming events.

The deadline for submitting organic certification fee reimbursement to the Department of Agriculture is Sept 30th; get your applications in now! More details can be found in the Organic Updates section. Grants available to farmers are still open at the WSARE website, see below for details on proposal due dates - they are coming up fast. Lots of other great information in this issue, so check it out!

In this edition, you will find presentations from these two SOAP supported events. We were recently awarded an Enhanced State Grant from WSARE which will allow us to conduct more sustainable and organic educational programs across the state later this fall.

Vegetables take center stage with original research and production updates on taro, tomato and green onion. Our partners at Kohala Center, Hawaiian Islands Trust and NRCS have updates on conservation land trusts, conservation client gateway and beginning farmer/rancher programs.

One of the great things about summer is locally grown fruit. In Hawaiʻi that means mangoes, lychee, banana, papaya, and many others. In this special summer fruit issue, we feature Makaha Mangoes, the upcoming Hawai'i Tropical Fruit Growers Conference, and proudly introduce two new faculty members with research interest in sustainable fruit production. Other great features in this issue include:

Back to Our Roots: Hawai'i Tropical Fruit Growers Conference
Climate change
Lots of great new research from the Center of Rural Agriculture Training and Entrepreneurship
New online pubs from CTAHR
Understanding Organic in Hawaiʻi and other Organic Update features
Upcoming local events featuring sustainability
WSARE updates including upcoming funding opportunities

In this issue we continue to celebrate the 2015 International Year of Soils with original CTAHR research on the nutrient retention capacity of biochar (charcoal based soil amendment), increased availability of local fertilizer resources, verification of rapid, in field nutrient sap meters and the preservation of wild pollinators.



Our featured farmer this issue comes from the windward side of Oahu. Mr. Fung Yang has been commercially producing certified organic edible mushrooms for 5 years. He shares with our readers how he maximizes under-utilized green waste to cultivate certified organic Portabella and Crimini mushrooms.



Jump over to our funding sources section and you will find RFP's for WSARE's 2016 sustainable agriculture grant programs and its list of 2015 awardees. 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. We highly encourage you to apply.

As we approach the end of the 2014-2015 Makahiki season, it's appropriate to reflect on past, present and future efforts to keep Hawai'i agriculture sustainable. Our Featured Farmer this issue, Island Foodscapes, is using an innovative business model to help our residents grow and eat more fresh local vegetables. Our CTAHR research updates range from efforts to identify virus tolerant tomato varieties to how to candle your eggs.



You will see some other exciting ideas relative to sustainable agriculture in this issue. Specific topics include soil health, post harvest handling of exotic fruit, cash flow and beginning farmer programs. Don't forget our Organic Updates, with special announcements and programs this issue directly relevant to Hawaiʻi certified organic growers, and our Workshop announcements including an invitation to join CTAHR & USDA NRCS as we celebrate soil health at our first field day of 2015, Wednesday, January 28, Waimanalo Research Station, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Cover Crops, Food Safety, Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Community Engagement take center stage in this Fall 2014 issue of HānaiʻAi, the sustainable agriculture newsletter of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. Join us on a trip to Kauaʻi to meet a longtime sustainable agriculture advocate and this issue's featured farmer, Jerry Ornellas.

Mushrooms, Moringa and Chickens, Oh My! These topics and many others are covered in this, the Summer 2014 issue of HānaiʻAi, the sustainable agriculture newsletter of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

It takes a community to make agriculture thrive. From crowd sourcing to seeking community involvement in submitting digital pictures to safeguard the Kamehameha butterfly...Yes, you can make an impact in safeguarding and expanding Hawaii's valuable agriculture industry. In this issue we highlight the ways community can support local agriculture.

As we approach the end of the 2012-2013 Makahiki season, it's appropriate to reflect on past, present and future efforts to keep Hawai'i agriculture sustainable. Dr. Linda Cox highlights important lessons from a recent WSARE conference on strengthening agriculture's infrastructure, and our CTAHR research updates this issue focus on efforts to replace imported fertilizers with local inputs and holistic strategies such as Korean Natural Farming and aquaponics.



You will see some other exciting ideas relative to sustainable agriculture in this issue. Specific topics include the re-released Plant Doctor app, Ultra-exotic fruit, sustainable livestock news, and the recently completed Hawai'i strategy for increased food security and food self-sufficiency. Also check out funding opportunities available for producers and agricultural professionals, and don't forget our Organic Updates, with special announcements and programs this issue directly relevant to Hawai'i certified organic growers.

In this issue: Pests, Peaches, Pollinators and more!

Plus, Join us on a trip to Molokaʻi to visit this issue's featured farmer, Tubz Kalipi.

As we prepare to enter the holiday season and end another year, it's a good time to celebrate some of the great projects CTAHR and its partners are a part of. At the core of this issue are articles on natural enemies, fertility and pest control, as well as great updates on marketing, seed saving and beginning farmer programs. Make sure to visit the "back pages" of the newsletter for upcoming Workshops, Conferences and Meetings, and Funding Opportunities.

We are very pleased to have the Boerner Family and ONO Farms as this issue’s Featured Farmers with over 40 years of healthy and profitable organic food production in Kipahulu, Maui. Chuck Boerner is also a long-term member of the WSARE advisory council, and a respected mentor to many of us involved in sustainable food production.

Where are Hawaii's next generation of farmers coming from? In our new, continuing section entitled "For New Farmers" we highlight programs across the state that will ensure diversified agriculture remains a vibrant and sustaining force to Hawaii's economy.
Also in this issue of HānaiʻAi, we travel to Waiʻanae, Oʻahu to visit our featured farmer Owen Kaneshiro who has been growing local vegetables, providing jobs and utilizing sustainable farming practices to stay in business for over thirty years.
Agribusiness Incubator Program (AIP) Director, Steve Chiang reminds us of the importance of calculating our cost of production and gives us some simple strategies every farmer can do.
Our friends from NRCS highlight two important programs on land and sea, and we feature articles and publications from CTAHR research and extension faculty with information on everything from the benefits of eating local to the importance of nitrogen nutrition to maintain healthy crops and everything in between.

Sustainable Koa production, Cotton and Ladybugs (Ladybirds, in the King's English) are all subjects of articles in this issue of HānaiʻAi. Also in this issue, Drs. Linda Cox and Wuyang Hu ask the question "What is Local Food and Who Wants What?," and agricultural professionals from across the State highlight their efforts in promoting sustainability in Hawaii's natural and agricultural ecosystems in many new publications from CTAHR.



In SARE news, Western SARE has posted the new calls for proposal, and Extension Agent Jari Sugano has joined Dr. Ted Radovich as co-coordinator of both the WSARE Hawai'i State PDP and the CTAHR Sustainable and Organic Agriculture programs. Welcome Jari!

Also, read about this issue's featured farmer Chris Robb, who farms almost 20 acres in Waimea on Hawai'i Island. And, make sure to visit the "back pages" of the newsletter for upcoming Workshops, Conferences and Meetings (there's LOTS coming!), and an extra special Organic Update.



Finally, we say Aloha and Mahalo nui loa to Dr. Linda Cox who will be leaving us as Hanai'ai co-editor and co-coordinator of SOAP. Thanks for your service Linda!

We hope you find this issue of HānaiʻAi useful, and welcome your input.

In this issue we present research that will assist in reaching the overall goal of import replacement. Three of the articles examine how local inputs can reduce reliance on imported fertilizers. CTAHR economists provide information about the cost of production in Hawaii compared to other locations so we can better understand how to have a stronger competitive advantage. The O‘ahu RC&D also presents a summary of their recent workshop on land preservation and conservation easements, which can help keep land in agriculture.

New growers are urgently needed to take the place of our aging farmers and Hawaii's public institutions and non profits are stepping up to provide beginners the resources they need to succeed. This special issue of HānaiʻAi takes a close look at beginning farmers and the programs that serve them. Our featured farmers this issue, Alex and Mimi Karp of Island Harvest Organics, are new farmers who are committed to being commercially successful and evironmentally responsible food producers in the State. Dr. Linda Cox provides business planning guidance that's good for all of us and particularly valuable to new farmers. Also, programs for new farmer training across the State are highlighted, and the Director of CTAHRʻs Agribusiness Incubator Program reports on a recent tour to visit similar programs in the Northeastern U.S. And, whether you are a new grower or a grizzled old timer, you'll enjoy our research and extension updates from CTAHR and NRCS, which highlight valuable strategies to maintain soil fertility, avoid soil erosion and control important weeds biologically.

This issue of Hanai'ai is all about diversity. Our featured farmer this issue, Susan Matsushima of Alluvion Inc., is an excellent example of diversified agriculture's important contribution to the long term viability of Hawaii's economy, and a reminder that non-food crops "feed" Hawaii in important ways. Dr. Linda Cox provides more details about a standardized matrix to evaluate the sustainability of Hawaiis diverse agricultural systems. Also, our research updates from CTAHR faculty and collaborators highlight the importance of diversity in soil biology and crop genetics to promote healthy systems, the integration of best management practices to protect water quality, the importance of livestock and aquaculture to diversify our food systems, and the negative impact that slimy pests can have on our farms.

What do Bats, Goats, Sheep and Insects have in common? Well, not much except that they are all subjects of articles in this particularly animal friendly issue of HānaiʻAi. Also in this issue, Dr. Linda Cox highlights the need to develop a sustainability evaluation system for agriculture in Hawaii, and agricultural professionals from across the State highlight their efforts in promoting sustainability in Hawaii's natural and agricultural ecosystems.

We are excited about this issue! Our featured farmer segment highlights the successful transition of two former sugar workers into agricultural entrepreneurs. Drs. Radovich and Cox have joined together to discuss the costs of organic pesticides, and other familiar contributors cover soil health and other topics. We also have some new contributors who are drawing attention to stewardship efforts that will make agriculture more sustainable. The articles contributed by our CTAHR faculty are aimed at assisting agricultural producers.

As we enter our third year of publishing HānaiʻAi, it is a good time to reflect on what we can do to make the newsletter even more relevant to you. We have designed an evaluation form to help us do this and hope you will take a few minutes to complete it. This is your opportunity to suggest articles, programs or events that you would like to see covered.

As we complete our second year of publishing HānaiʻAi, it is a good time to stop and look back. In each issue, our Featured Farmer column highlights successful agribusinesses in pursuit of their goal to achieve the "triple crown" of sustainability: profitability, environmental stewardship, and a positive quality of life for those involved in agriculture. In Growing Your Business from the Field, Drs. Radovich and Cox revisit these innovative growers, their opinions, approach and advice to other growers on sustainability and agriculture in Hawaii.

In our Sustainable and Organic Research News feature, we highlight the work of CTAHR researchers who continue to focus on practices that promote plant health, a vital soil, and a strong market for local products. The Organic Update highlights the recent HFBF Organic Symposium, which brought together growers, researchers, educators and administrators to discuss how to better support our certified organic growers and take the industry to the next level.

Check out our featured farmer! Fred Lau is a well-established nurseryman who has expanded his operation in recent years to include high value vegetables and fish to improve profits and reduce reliance on imported inputs. Their family farm works to balance the idealism of sustainable agriculture, with the realities of operating a profitable business. You will see some other exciting ideas relative to sustainable agriculture in this issue. Specific topics include compost tea (the plants drink it, not you), training young (and not so young) entrepreneurs, and optimizing nutrient and water use efficiency in crops. We have also included a new feature this issue: The Organic Update. This box will highlight specific announcements and programs from the National Organic Program (NOP) and other resources directly relevant to certified organic growers.



As we enter the holiday season, we want to reflect on the importance of agriculture in communities across the State. In this issue, we highlight youth programs that ensure that agriculture remains an integral part of our sustainable future. Also featured are value added programs that involve UH students who work to take unwanted produce and turn it into profits. We then take you on a trip to Molokai to visit a family on Hawaiian homestead land that integrates agriculture into their lifestyle to provide food and income. Other articles we have included provide information on how producers can get financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices, along with articles that address other methods for producers to be more sustainable.

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You will see some exciting ideas relative to sustainable crop and animal production in this issue. Some recent work by Dr Nguyen Hue and Dr. Ali Fares, who have active research projects in soil science and hydrology, is summarized. Mike Duponte’s work on sustainable swine production, which is getting broad attention across the State because of it is so innovative, is also included in this issue. Matthew Stevenson contributed an overview of his efforts to reach out to those interested in the chicken production system that was developed by Glen Fukumoto. Last, and not least, is another innovative piece by Dr. Ted Radovich, a co-editor of the newsletter, that links sustainable production methods with product flavor and nutritional value. This is a very important piece of work because it highlights the link between sustainable production practices and social concerns, which is a key component of sustainability.

Also in this issue, we are particularly happy to present the summary of results from the organic industry analysis initiated in 2007, and to announce the organic certification of three acres of land at the Waimānalo Experiment Station.

Welcome to the inaugural issue of HānaiʻAi, the sustainable agriculture newsletter of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. Sustainable agricultural systems strive to profitably meet food and fiber needs without degrading the natural and human resources that ensure productivity in the long term. No single model for agricultural sustainability exists. Judicious use of chemical and genetic technology with increased reliance on biological cycles may occur or certified organic systems may be used that exclude many synthetic inputs. Regardless of the model, achieving sustainability requires the integration of many tools and practices based on extensive knowledge and on-going research. The mission of HānaiʻAi is to provide a venue for dissemination of science-based information to serve all of Hawaii's Farming Community in our quest for agricultural sustainability.