Despite the apparent similarity of tasks and interests that might be assigned to farmers, they actually operate in very independent and individual ways. Organizing farmers is similar to herding cats. Getting them all to a meeting and having them agree on policies is nearly impossible. Like their feline friends, farmers often prefer working solo and doing things their own way. The distinct differences among them make establishing a universal “farmer’s voice” very difficult. The National Farm Bureau as well as local coffee farmers’ organizations can attest to that.
Some area farmers recently decided to try working with a national organization that seems to represent the needs and interests of small family farms in Hawaii and poses the possibility of addressing local farmers’ concerns — the National Farmers Union.
Since its founding in 1902, the NFU has organized chapters in 33 states that work to protect the economic well-being of family farmers, ranchers, consumers and rural communities through education, cooperatives and legislation. The organization also supports sustainable production of food, fiber, feed and fuel. NFU policies are usually initiated locally before being adopted at the state and national levels. Once adopted, the organization seeks legislation to support or legalize these policies.
The Hawaii Farmers Union United has chapters on Maui and in Kona. Chapters are being established on Oahu and Kauai. The HFUU recently worked with Jessica Wooley, chairwoman of the State House Agricultural Committee to organize a Food Policy Summit to share agricultural information with farmers and legislators before the start of the next legislative session. The national, state and local organizations each have websites with more information about them and their activities.
The summit began Jan. 7 at the State Capitol with a Local Food Caucus that focused on the need for increasing local food production as well as improving soil and the overall farm economy. National Farmers Union strategic planner Harley Danielson moderated the morning panel and discussions with about 100 farmers, legislators and administrators in attendance.
A farm-to-table luncheon was served prior to the afternoon Food Policy Conference organized by Wooley. The discussion was moderated by the Food Policy Council and covered topics including a state survey revealing food security as respondents’ top concern.
The highlight of the afternoon was a screening of the documentary “Bringing it Home” by Linda Booker and Blaire Johnson. The film is about the history and future for hemp farming in the U.S. Though hemp was once widely grown and has many uses, hemp farming was banned in 1957. Citizens and farmers in several states are now exploring the potential that hemp poses as a farm product and they are organizing to repeal the ban. More information on the film is available at bringingithomemovie.com.
The best way to learn more about Kona Farmer’s Union United is to attend its meetings. The annual meeting is scheduled for Thursday. It begins with a locavore potluck at 5 p.m. at Tropical Edibles Nursery in Captain Cook. Paul Streiter from Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill will share his process for sourcing local agricultural products for his restaurant.
More information on the summit and a Korean natural farming tour will be presented as well as the 2014 HDUU legislative agenda. In addition, Mike Duponte and Vincent Mina will lead a presentation and discussion of Korean natural farming. Election of board members will also be held.
For more information about the local chapter and the upcoming meeting, contact Dave Case at casedavids@gmail.com or call him at 238-5285.
Tropical gardening helpline
Ron asks: I have two citrus trees planted on my property about 20 feet apart. They are the same age and size and get the same fertilizer and watering regimens, but one seems very healthy and the other is constantly attacked by insects and diseases. Why does that happen?
Answer: The key to warding off insects and diseases is good health. Obviously, the healthy tree is unattractive to pests. The other tree could be in poor health for a variety of reasons.
The place to look for causes of poor health is the roots. If you can, gently pull soil away from one section of the roots of the problem tree. Check for evidence of the citrus root knot nematode, Tylenchulus semipenetrans, by looking for nodules on the roots. These nodules severely affect the roots’ ability to absorb nutrients and fertilizer and can eventually cause death. If you see nodules you can try mulching heavily to see if the organisms in the organic matter will overcome the nematodes. Contact the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources for additional remedies.
If the roots look healthy and are not broken anywhere, it may be a soil problem. Despite the close proximity of the two trees, the soil under the unhealthy tree could contain some residue of a toxic material that could be the cause for the tree’s poor health. To check the soil’s quality, you could send in samples of soil from beneath each of your trees to see if a difference exists. UH CTAHR can test the soil. Email konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu or call 322-4892 between 9 a.m. and noon Thursdays for details.
Also check to see if the root zone is overly wet or dry. Sometimes slight differences in the terrain can cause excess water retention or overly rapid drainage that could cause poor health. Over watering or over fertilizing can cause plants to be attractive to insects. If you are watering and fertilizing the plants in exactly the same way, that might rule out these causes.
Above ground problems may include girdling of the bark or other indications of problems with the bark that could affect the tree’s ability to circulate water and nutrients throughout its branches.
Hopefully one of these suggestions can help you figure out what might be affecting your tree’s health so that you can remedy the situation.
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 with an organic farm in Captain Cook.