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Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced the release of more than $13 million for various Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) that invest in Hawai’i’s local agriculture industry and upgrade the state’s water irrigation infrastructure. “The priority projects being funded will greatly support and expand agriculture in Hawai’i,” said Russell S. Kokubun, chairperson of the Hawai’i Board of Agriculture.

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Chefs visited keiki at the Waimea Middle School Malaai Garden during the day and dazzled with dinner at the Mauna Lani Bay Canoe House restaurant at night.

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Ka‘u has a new mill for farmers but instead of sugar it’s a coffee mill thanks to an the Edmund C. Olson Trust which funded the operation.

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From the Kona Coffee Farmers Association Legislative Committee regarding support of SB 2097: On Jan. 19, Sen. Josh Green introduced the Coffee Origin Disclosure Bill in a form similar to that requested by KCFA. The bill has been designated as SB No. 2097 and has been referred to the Senate Commerce & Consumer Protection Committee. [...]

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MEDIA RELEASE The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that on Dec. 1, the government of Japan approved Rainbow papaya for commercial shipment to Japan. The Rainbow papaya is genetically engineered to be resistant to the papaya ringspot virus. “The market opening in Japan is great news for Hawaii’s papaya producers and even better news [...]

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MEDIA RELEASE The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must be built to meet the evolving needs of a 21st century agricultural economy, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Monday in presenting USDA’s Blueprint for Stronger Service, a plan that helps producers continue to drive America’s economy by streamlining operations and cutting costs. “The USDA, like families [...]

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From Colehour Bondera, president of the Kona Coffee Farmers Association: The Kona Coffee Farmers Association (KCFA) has drafted a “Coffee Origin Disclosure Bill” for consideration by the Hawaii State Legislature in its 2012 session. Sen. Josh Green, of Kona, has committed to introduce and support enactment of the bill when the legislative session opens later [...]

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A reward of up to $30,000 has been established for information leading to charges in connection with the destruction of 10 acres of papaya trees in Puna in July.

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MEDIA RELEASE The Big Island Association of Nurserymen, Inc. (BIAN) pledged $15,000 to establish the BIAN Excellence Scholarship Endowment for students pursuing a degree in agriculture. The $15,000 contribution will be equally matched thanks to a special scholarship matching program currently available at UH Hilo. “We’re excited to do our part and plant the much-needed [...]

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MEDIA RELEASE The state Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is currently accepting applications for a new round of organic certification cost-share assistance to organic farmers, organic livestock operators and organic produce handlers. Renewed federal funding totaling up to $95,000 has been allotted to help Hawaii agribusinesses with the cost of organic certification through two separate cooperative [...]

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From Skip Bittenbender, UH Extension Specialist for Coffee, Kava and Cacao: Aloha Coffee Leaders, We need more CBB survey responses from farmers. We received 40 responses in the first 24 hours – that’s great, but only a total of 65 in the first week. Its not possible to get every farmer to respond; let’s try [...]

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Ten cowboys were inducted into the Paniolo Hall of Fame at the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council Annual Convention on Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel.

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