Commercial Vanilla Growers

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

I received this email today, and thought I'd pass it on.
Vanilla doesn't require soil, so could grow in some areas of Puna.


To tropical fruit growers and enthusiasts,

Are you interested in growing Vanilla? Researchers from the University of Florida, University of Puerto Rico, and the USDA in Hilo are seeking funding from the USDA to support domestic vanilla cultivation. The project proposal includes variety trials, breeding, and extension support including the establishment of co-ops. At this point, we are collecting the names and contact information of anyone that might be interested in growing Vanilla. Greater interest from stakeholders will strengthen our chances of getting funding to help you grow vanilla. Please email Dr. Alan Chambers, ac@ufl.edu, if interested. There is no obligation or commitment. Please also feel free to check out our vanilla growing guide available at https://www.tropicalfruitbreeding.com/vanilla

Best,

Alan H. Chambers, PhD
Assistant Professor | Tropical Fruit Genetics and Breeding
Tropical Research and Education Center | Horticultural Sciences Dept | University of Florida
18905 SW 280th St, Homestead, FL 33031, 914.705.2465 (cell)
tropicalfruitbreeding.com

“Thee lift me and I’ll lift thee, and we’ll ascend together.” John Greenleaf Whittier

[bananahead]

its the 2nd most expensive spice for a reason..... I have a thousand pounds of vines in trees.. Ive got exactly 4 vanilla beans naturally in last 10 yrs, nature pollinated...
they need to be hand pollinated (by little tiny fingers is best, ie 4 yr olds), go ask the Vanilla farm up Hamakua Way near Kolopa St Pk... they are a family owned biz, they came from Oahu, hap haole, bought a bunch of land, didnt know gardening, wanted to grow a crop, looked into orchids, wanted to grow food so looked into vanilla, the dad went to SAmer and ask around, every single farm there did it differently and didnt trade secrets at all... he learned form all of them and brought it back... take a trip and take the tour... the boy kid thats about 25-27 yrs old now is the best tour guide... aloha

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save our indigenous and endemic Hawaiian Plants... learn about them, grow them, and plant them on your property, ....instead of all that invasive non-native garbage I see in most yards... aloha

[bananahead]

ps. the farm in Hamakua is said to be the only one in the USA.. so Im guessin this U of Florida try for grow this kaka vanilla stuff is all hot air... IMO


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save our indigenous and endemic Hawaiian Plants... learn about them, grow them, and plant them on your property, ....instead of all that invasive non-native garbage I see in most yards... aloha

[shave_ice]

You don't need tiny fingers to hand pollinate. Just a toothpick and a steady hand. It's super easy once you learn. I get plenty each year for myself and more to give away to friends and family.

Pretty sure there is also another major vanilla operation on the Kona side too, a bit newer though.