May 1, 2012
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.