Ethan asks: I’m in the process of buying a farm in Kealakekua, which is mostly coffee. Are there local groups or resources for us newbies to connect with other farmers and learn some of the tricks of the trade?
Tropical Gardener answer: Yes, several local organizations and some local events and websites can offer lots of information and ways to connect with other folks who are farming in Kona.
First of all, many of the local organizations, vendors and information resources will be attending the upcoming Coffee Expo. It will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at the Old Airport Pavilion in Kailua-Kona. Lots of local farmers will be there and several speakers will discuss issues relevant to coffee farming in Kona. Visit www.konacoffeefarmers.org for more information on the event and the organization.
Other organizations you may want to check out are the local Farmer’s Union at kona-chapter@hfuuhi.org and the Kona County Farm Bureau, which sponsors a Saturday farmers market. This market and the Sunday South Kona Green Market in Captain Cook are good places to talk to other farmers. Go to www.konacountyfarmbureau.org and www.skgm.org for more about these markets.
Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers holds informative monthly meetings about tropical fruit growing here in Hawaii usually on the third Monday of each month. Check out their information at www.hawaiitropicalfruitgrowers.org or contact president Ken Love at 808-323-2417 or ken@mycoffee.net. Their events and others relating to local agriculture can be found on the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service calendar at www.hawaiicoffee.weebly.com.
Other helpful organizations are the Kona Soil and Water Conservation at www.kswcd.org and NRCS at their Kealakekua Service Center 322-2484. They can help you get a farm plan going and find USDA funding for on-farm projects. If you need a consultant to get through this mire of information or to get advice and help in getting your farm going, the team at FarmWorks Hawaii is ready to help. Contact them at 328-2441 or at farmworkshawaii@gmail.com.
Some questions that appear here were originally directed to Kona’s Certified Master Gardeners. You may contact them with questions at konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu.
Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator and consultant living on an organic farm in Captain Cook.
Gardening Events
Tuesday: “USDA Funded Crop Insurance,” 6:30-8 p.m. at Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers meeting center at 81-6393 Mamalahoa Highway in Kealakekua. Free presentation by Agrilogic and FarmWorks Hawaii. Call 328-2441 for more information.
Wednesday: “CBB Conference,” 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona. A series of free presentations on the latest research on the coffee berry borer. Register online at www.hawaiicoffeeweeebly.com or call Gina at 322-4892. For more information, contact Ray at 969-8211.
Saturday: “Work Day at Amy Greenwell Garden,” 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Meet at the garden visitor center across from the Manago Hotel in Captain Cook. Volunteers will be able to help with garden maintenance and are invited to bring brown bag lunch. Water and light refreshments offered. Call Peter at 323-3318 for more information.
“Spring Planting Celebration,” 7 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Kamuela Farmers Market in the Pukalani Stables in Waimea. Free event with classes and giveaways. More information at www.kamuelafarmersmarket.com.
Farmer Direct Markets
Wednesday: Hooulu Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-2 p,m. at the Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay.
Sunset Farmers Market, 2 p.m.-sunset at the north makai corner of the Kmart parking lot.
Saturday: Keauhou Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-noon at Keauhou Shopping Center.
Kamuela Farmer’s Market, 7 a.m.-noon at Pukalani Stables.
Sunday: South Kona Green Market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook.
Monday-Saturday: U-Pick greens and produce, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Tropical Edibles Nursery in Captain Cook.
Plant Advice Lines
Anytime: konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu.
Thursday: 9 a.m.-noon at UH-CES in Kainaliu at 322-4892.
Monday, Tuesday and Friday: 9 a.m.-noon at UH-CES at Komohana in Hilo, 981-5199 or himga@hawaii.edu.