Future of Big Island Agriculture

[Rob Tucker]

I recieved a notice from James Weatherford regarding the release of an in-depth report on Big Island agriculture. I haven't read it yet but intend to. 85 pages.

As follows:

For anyone with any curiosity regarding Hawaii Island agriculture, this document (publish March 2007)
is HIGHLY recommended:

http://learning.kohalacenter.org/resourc..._wsp_2.pdf

This is research from Phase I (of 3 phases) regarding Hawaii Island's food system by Kohala Center (http://learning.kohalacenter.org/) in Hawi -- a relatively new undertaking on this island and a refreshingly new perspective compared to 'business as usual.' As can be seen from the resarch list at their website, their research partners are major league: Rocky Mountain Institute and Yale University.

It would be useful to compare this document with the Agriculture Working Group report (PCDP).

Aloha

Punaweb moderator

[Kapohocat]

not to get off topic but I will... Rob, you gotta talk James into letting to taste his hot sauce he makes and bottles once a year!

[Hotzcatz]

Rob, that is quite the document! At eight-four or five pages it takes awhile to read, but it is very informative. There are a lot of good ideas on how to get our local agriculture going much stronger.

Will they be publishing the next two phases of their study?

[chip]

Aloha,
Very informative Ag. publication. We are trying to figure out what will be our best effort w/ 3 Hawaiian acres just under the 1000 ft. elevation. What will work and be sustainable. Mahalo Chip
This is an important thread of much interest,
with so much land ready to be cultivated on BI.

[Kelena]

I think the best thing that we can do for Island Agriculture is to buy local whenever possible, and to ask that Supermarkets carry local produce, milk, etc..

[janeadams]

There was an article in the H-TH a day or two ago about the BI dairy and milk price supports and sale going on. Check the archives -- don't remember the specifics, but it seems that one existing dairy is selling out to another but price supports may get in the way.

Jane

[Kelena]

I read the article (while sitting at Cafe 100!!). There are price supports, and one dairy wanted to sell a portion of its permit to produce to another, for income. The price supports are not working right. That may be because imported milk has been priced lower (they make more so can afford to lower the price). There are, if I recall, two dairies remaning in the islands. I don't remember their names. Both are in trouble. They should be supported by the state, grocery stores should provide coupons, and everyone should get acquainted with these two dairies, buy from them and economize elsewhere.

Buy local, even if it hurts. The global approach to agriculture is not sustainable and will lead to a serious decline in quality and accountability.