MEDIA RELEASE

Local food buyers and producers are needed for the 14th annual Mealani A Taste of the Hawaiian Range and Agricultural Festival.

The state’s premiere ag showcase headlines Big Island-grown products and includes an agricultural trade show designed exclusively for farmers, ranchers and food producers to present their products to wholesale and retail buyers, including chefs.

The trade show is 1-3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18 at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, followed by the food tasting event for the public at 6 p.m. Food producers are invited to stay for the evening Taste and talk story with grazing attendees.

“We’re hopeful that producers and buyers can connect with one another and establish partnerships that will support locally produced ag products and food sustainability for Hawaii Island,” said Susan Miyasaka, agronomist with UH’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

Food buyers and producers interested in participating may contact Miyasaka at 981-5199 ext. 201 or download registration forms at www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/taste.

The signup deadline is Tuesday, Aug. 11.

Also of interest to food buyers is a new seminar geared for members of the food industry.

“It’s All About Taste” will delve into the different kinds of locally raised beef, plus explore meat and island-grown fruit parings.

To register for “It’s All About Taste,” contact Michelle Galimba at 430-4927 or mgalimba@kuahiwiranch.com.

The evening Taste will headline more than 30 statewide chefs who will dazzle diners using various cuts of forage-fed meats and a cornucopia of island fruits, vegetables and other farm products.

Taste tickets are on sale islandwide, for locations visit www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/taste.

Mealani A Taste of the Hawaiian Range provides a venue for sustainable agricultural education, encouragement and support of locally produced ag products. The premiere ag tourism event is a partnership between CTAHR, Big Island Farm Bureau, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Association, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, Kulana Foods and community volunteers.

Sponsorship also includes the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the Hawaii County Research and Development, Big Island Resource Conservation & Development, the Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers Association and KTA SuperStores.

The quality and growth of this event are rooted in small business participation, sponsorship and in-kind donations.

For more information, visit www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/taste.