Lane asks: I’m selling some of my extra produce to local grocery stores. I think I could raise my prices if my orchard was certified organic. How do I learn more and start the certification process?
Tropical Gardener Answer: Gardening and farming organically is a good way to steward your land responsibly. Organic practices are good for the land and the environment as well as the animals and people who live in it. Price premiums and marketing benefits are also good reasons to pursue organic certification.
The Hawaii Organic Farmers Association (HOFA) was the local organic certifier until 2011. They now recommend that people seeking certification go through International Certification Services for USDA organic certification. ICS is committed to addressing the particulars of organic agriculture in Hawaii. They have local inspectors on each island, some of whom are former HOFA staffers.
The ICS website, http://www.ics-intl.com, has helpful information including a general brochure on organics, a publication on the steps to certification and an organic resources guide. If you have questions, you can contact them directly at (701) 486-3578 or by email at info@ics-intl.com. They can give you free information relating to your particular situation. You can also download, print and email or fax a completed copy of their online organic certification assessment form. If you send in the form, a free cost assessment will be sent to you with a certification application.
Some helpful information is also available at the HOFA website: www.hawaiiorganic.org. You might want to attend their upcoming annual conference from 9 a.m-4 p.m. July 22 at Maona Gardens in Honaunau. It would be a good place to meet other organic farmers and hear about the latest issues for organic growers including water shortages, invasive species control and addressing Rat Lung Disease. A $35 fee includes conference admission, HOFA membership and lunch. You can register for the conference and get directions to the gardens on the HOFA website.
You certainly will reap many benefits by certifying your orchard. Once you have gathered sufficient information, the process is not difficult. Good luck.
Email plant-related questions to konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu for answers from certified master gardeners. Some questions will be chosen for inclusion in this column.
Gardening Events
Today: “9th Annual Mango Festival” from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Hale Halawai in downtown Kailua-Kona. Agricultural presentations, mango tasting, music, etc. Free event presented by the Sanctuary Mana Kea. Go to www.mangofest.org for more information.
Saturday: “Work Day at Amy Greenwell Garden” from 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 a brown bag lunch. Water and snacks provided. Call Peter at 323-3318 for more information
Farmer Direct Markets
Wednesday: “Sunset Farmers Market” 2-6 p.m. in the HPM parking lot at 74-5511 Luhia Street in Kailua-Kona (across from Target)
Wednesday &Friday: “Ho‘oulu Farmers Market” 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay
Friday: “Pure Kona Market” 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook