Monday, January 30, 2017

Ka'u Farm School

Finally it looks like my region is going to get access to agricultural support for "dinner table" food farming. To date, coffee farmers have been the ones to benefit from numerous educational opportunities being presented on Ka'u soil, but us Ka'u dirt farmers have been the ag department's orphaned children. I'm pretty stoked that this past weekend was the first day of the new Ka'u Farm School project. 


This new program is open to everyone. No growing experience necessary. Both gardeners and learning farmers would benefit from these workshop style classes. Information is to be presented via on hands experiences, demonstrations, video presentations, and lectures with Q&As. Focus will be on growing foods in Ka'u. Topics will cover just about everything involved, including soils, seed saving, propagation, planting, fertilizer & nutrients, irrigation, varieties, etc. 


The first session was free and well attended. Held at Earth Matters Farm in Ka'u, people had a chance to see a small farm "in the flesh". Gabriel Howearth was the guest speaker, a man who is a walking wealth of knowledge when it comes to anything that has to do with seeds. He gave an overview on seed saving. With the prices of seed skyrocketing, seed saving is a smart move for the small farmer. From my own experience, I wholeheartedly agree. 


Currently the plan calls for once a month sessions. For more information, here's some contact info.....
...visit Facebook.com/KauFarmSchool
...call 808-721-6977
...email: kaufarmschool@gmail.com

2 comments:

  1. I fervently wish that this type of program could be replicated on every island. Until President Trump terminates the Jones Act, the cost of living in Hawaii will remain unconscionably high. Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa should push for that as well.

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