Hawai'i Homegrown Food Network

My Wish for the Future

Locally grown vegetables at farmers market. For nearly three years I have had the 'job' of visiting farmers markets and individual farmers for Hawai'i Homegrown Food Network, including some who participate in CSA farming (Community Supported Agriculture by membership or prescription), and visiting stores that sell homegrown foods and products around our island. I call it a job because it is a commitment, but it is also a privilege and the best and most fun job I've ever had.

We have about 30 farmers markets scattered all around the island. Some are large and some are very small, but when you consider that each market hosts at minimum 3-5 farmers, and usually many more, plus the scores who do not participate in farmers market sales, you can begin to appreciate how many dedicated people there are who grow food on this island.

Busy restaurants require produce suppliers with professional business practices

Matt Thoman, Kitchen Manager, and Krista Donaldson, Sustainability Supervisor
Kona Brewing Company, Kailua-Kona, North Kona

Matt Thoman and Krista Donaldson at Kona Brewing Company, where supporting locally grown produce is a central part of their business philosophy.Kona Brewing Company was founded in 1993 by father and son team Cameron Healy and Spoon Khalsa with the philosophy of “living aloha.” Their company has grown to become the 13th largest craft brewery in the U.S. and their Kailua-Kona restaurant alone reaches $3.5 million dollars in gross revenue per year. With a policy of providing quality food and supporting the local community, about 65% of their produce comes from local sources. “To reach our sustainability goals, we can’t just rest on our successes. We are constantly looking for new produce sources and ways to innovate,” says Matt Thoman, kitchen manager.

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Farmer Mahalo Day at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

8S7B7864 Chef Babian presenting his farm-to-table wish list for locally grown crops (see list below). I was recently invited to attend a Farmers & Chef Symposium and Lunch held at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka'upulehu in North Kona. This is the 3rd Annual event of its kind held at the hotel and serves as a way for Executive Chef James Babian and his staff to show their appreciation to the farmers, fishermen and other local purveyors who are the source of most of the food served by the hotel. The event started with a welcome from Robert Whitfield, General Manager, and Chef Jim then introduced several key people in the hotel's Food & Beverage Department.

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4th Annual Local vs. Imported Supermarket Produce (2012): A need for commitment

Based on West Hawaii Today Food Ads from Sept. 2011 to Sept. 2012

IMG 0013CElevitch Supermarkets are increasing the percentage of local produce advertised. From 2009 to 2012 I have tracked the weekly food ads to discern any trends or major changes in the percentages of local produce to imported produce advertised in West Hawaii Today. The Big Island stores monitored include: KTA, Choice Mart, Foodland and Safeway.

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Sheet mulch

IMG 0013CElevitch Sheet mulch being placed over kikuyu grass to expand a vegetable garden.Mulch is a layer of decaying organic matter on the ground. Mulch occurs naturally in forests; it is a nutrient rich, moisture absorbent bed of decaying forest leaves, twigs and branches, teeming with fungal, microbial and insect life. Natural mulch stores the nutrients contained in organic matter and slowly makes these nutrients available to plants. Mulch also protects soil from desiccation by the sun and wind, as well as from the erosive effects of rain and run-off.

Mulch forms a necessary link in nutrient cycling vital for our soils. When mulch is absent for whatever reason, the living soil is robbed of its natural nutrient stores, becomes leached and often desiccates. Natural terrestrial environments without a litter layer are usually deserts. Non-desert plants grown in bare soil require constant fertilization, nutrient additions, and water, not to mention the work required to keep the soil bare.