Empowering Sustainable Communities
COW RESCUE PROJECT
Our recent expansion has included nine cows.
Hawaii was once home to the largest cattle ranch in the United States. Recently a factory farm was closed due to violations of the Federal Clean Water Act. We were able to offer the cows a safe and humane sanctuary.
By providing sanctuary to these cows, we are able to offer them a better life and promote the importance of ending industrial animal agriculture.
COCONUT, ‘AWA, AND BANANA PRESERVATION PROJECT
Coconuts, ‘awa, and bananas arrived in Hawaii on canoes with Polynesians and have been essential food sources ever since, playing an important cultural role.
The coconut industry in Hawaii faces two major threats, both of which we seek to mitigate. First, the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) feeds on emerging palm fronds causing severe damage that can kill the plant. Secondly, lethal yellowing (LY) is a disease that kills coconuts worldwide. As of yet, Hawaii has not found evidence of LY spreading here. To prepare for the likely emergence of LY in Hawaii, we propagate and breed LY-tolerant coconuts and trial new varieties to prepare for the appearance of LY in Hawaii.
Bananas are threatened by Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV). This virus can stop or decrease production. Research to manage BBTV is considered by many growers and scientists to be the most critical issue facing banana production in Hawaii and globally. Most bananas sold in Hawaii are imported from Central America. We aim to tip the scale in favor of Hawaii’s agriculture and people by facilitating the growth of local, fresh bananas.
We test, breed, and propagate resistant varieties and act as a germplasm repository. We distribute disease-free plants to growers and provide information on managing the various pests and diseases that impact bananas.
Cultivation Series
Welcome to the Cultivation series, where we offer workshops, programs, and support to cultivate a more equitable and just food system.
Cultivating Sustainability –
A Transformative Sustainable Movement Taking Root
We are now offering group and community workshops on sustainable agriculture principles. Through a hands-on, immersive farming module, learn how to nurture the land and help preserve the natural resources, transform farms into sustainable practices, and take part in decreasing food deserts.
Workshops will cover pest and disease management, permaculture, vegan organic farming, regenerative practices, vertical farming in an urban atmosphere, and culturally appropriate BIPOC foods in a culturally imperialistic world.
Cultivation Series 1: Rat Lung Worm Disease and Little Fire Ants
We provide demonstrations and instruction in the management of rat lung worm disease and little fire ants at both of our Puna locations; Kapoho and Leilani Estates. One location demonstrates control strategies within the context of a farm and the other in the context of an undeveloped lot. Control in both types of settings in essential for public health and conservation.
Rat Lung Worm Disease (RLWD)
The control of both rats and slugs is critical to the management of RLWD. We recommend two-in-one bait stations for concurrently controlling rats and slugs. Most rat bait station can accommodate the addition of slug bait to the same area of the station where the rat bait is placed. This not only preserves the slug bait along with the rat bait, but also protects the rat bait from slugs by offering the slugs a more appealing option.
Two helpful resources for more information on RLWD are:
State of Hawaii Department of Health: https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/rat-lungworm-angiostrongyliasis/
University of Hawaii: https://pharmacy.uhh.hawaii.edu/rat-lungworm/
Little Fire Ants (LFA)
Testing and control of LFA is demonstrated and taught at our locations. We demonstrate testing for LFA with peanut butter and management via barrier treatment, granular bait, and gel bait. The Hawaii Ant Lab is the primary resource for LFA: https://littlefireants.com
