Many area farmers have found that they can enhance their revenue flow by sharing their farming experience with visitors. The desire for an experiential vacation among tourists is on the rise. Many call themselves travelers, rather than tourists, because they want to get the “local flavor” of places they visit. Beyond the fancy resorts and palm-lined beaches of Hawaii, these travelers want to meet people who live and work here. They want to try local food. They want a taste of the local lifestyle. Agricultural tourism is one way of addressing these desires. The popularity of farm tours in Hawaii is growing and farmers are reaping the benefits.
Though farmers, growers and producers may see the advantages that starting an ag tourism business offers, many don’t know how to get started. Several area farmers offer ag tourism to varying degrees of success. Kokoleka Lani Farms located in Keauhou Mauka has become very successful. Co-owner Greg Colden has found ways to add to their farm income through ag tourism. For the past seven years he has been offering and promoting weekly tours of the farming operation which includes the Kona Natural Soap Company. The income from the tours has helped them grow their business.
At the request of the Kona County Farm Bureau, from 9:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, Colden will share his experiences and offer advice to those interested in becoming successful ag tourism providers. He will be joined by Lani Weingert who was instrumental in the success of Alii Kula Lavender Company.
The class will begin with an abbreviated tour of the farm to give folks pointers on ways to conduct a successful tour. Colden includes information on their philosophy and mission which he finds is vital to creating an interesting tour. He also includes the history of the land. Colden interacts with chickens and plants, drawing folks in and getting them interested in the value-added products.
Following the tour he will take the class into the soap factory and retail store to offer additional information. He’ll give a brief overview of the ways they are integrating farm products into soaps to create popular products. He’ll offer advice on how you might do the same. He’ll also share how the farm obtained grant funding that helped with energy savings, dealt with EPA concerns and addressed ADA requirements. Colden will also review the requirements that the state Departments of Agriculture and Health have set up for ag tourism operations. What may seem complicated, Colden will try to simplify so attendees can proceed knowledgeably to get approved as an ag tourism site.
An important part of Kokoleka Lani Farms’ operation is promotion and public relations. Colden will describe how they use social media and community programs to encourage on-site sales as well as Internet and mail-order sales. He will also talk about how working with Hawaii AgTourism Authority has helped the business as part of a discussion on ways Colden and his partner merchandise their products to increase sales.
For more information about the class, or to register, call 324-6011 or email info@konafarmbureau.org. Registration is open to members and nonmembers of the Farm Bureau at $10 and $15 respectively.
Tropical gardening helpline
Patrick asks: I recently bought a Brazilian plum tree at a nursery in Hilo. I have found very little information about it. Can you tell me about it?
Answer: Plant-It Hawaii in Kurtistown is the source for many tropical fruit trees sold on the Big Island. Jamie at Plant-It reported that three different common names apply to this plant. Brazilian plum, Eugenia brasiliensis, is also referred to as Brazilian cherry and grumichama.
These trees are usually sold at one or two years old and should fruit within two years. The tree grows slowly but when mature can be up to 30 feet tall. It will grow best in full sun but can tolerate some light shade. It is somewhat wind tolerant but not tolerant of long dry periods. The reddish wood of this tree is highly prized for woodworking.
Once it begins to flower, it will produce fruit in about 30 days. It should flower and fruit several times a year. The fruit is dark red with white pulp that tastes similar to a sweet cherry. The fruit is most often eaten fresh but also makes a tasty jam, jelly or pie. The juice is also good for making wine.
For more information go to hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/grumichama.html. This is definitely a tropical exotic tree. Enjoy it and the fruit.
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 living on an organic farm in Captain Cook.
