Monthly Archive for August, 2011

Hundreds of European farmers expected to flout battery hen ban

Published on August 31, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes and Livestock.


Hundreds of poultry farmers across Europe with millions of egg-laying hens are expected to flout a ban on conventional battery cages next year.

The new regulations are designed to eradicate the practice and dramatically enhance animal welfare.

According to European commission figures, 10 countries – including the UK – are set to be fully compliant with the new legislation by the time it comes into effect on 1 January 2012. Thus consumers can be sure that eggs from those member states have been produced in relatively high welfare conditions.

But eight countries – including Portugal, Belgium and Poland – are not predicted to make the grade, with more than 17 million hens expected to remain in old-fashioned battery cages by January.

And, while there were no new figures for five other member states including Italy, Greece and Hungary, campaigners say that those countries are unlikely to make the change in the next four months. As of last month, Italy alone had nearly 28 million hens still in so-called “non-enriched” cages.

The ban has been in the pipeline for 12 years, ever since the EU hens directive stated in 1999 that conventional non-enriched cages – in which birds do not have enough room to forage or stretch their wings – should be replaced by non-cage systems or “enriched” cages with more space, litter and perches. Continue reading ‘Hundreds of European farmers expected to flout battery hen ban’

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Wind farms under fire for bird kills

Published on August 28, 2011 in Alternative Energy, General Ag News and Notes and wind farm.


Six birds found dead recently in Southern California’s Tehachapi Mountains were majestic golden eagles. But some bird watchers say that in an area where dozens of wind turbines slice the air they were also sitting ducks.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating to determine what killed the big raptors, and declined to divulge the conditions of the remains. But the likely cause of death is no mystery to wildlife biologists who say they were probably clipped by the blades of some of the 80 wind turbines at the three-year-old Pine Tree Wind Farm Project, operated by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

As the Obama administration pushes to develop enough wind power to provide 20 percent of America’s energy by 2030, some bird advocates worry that the grim discovery of the eagles this month will be a far more common occurrence.

Windmills kill nearly half a million birds a year, according to a Fish and Wildlife estimate. The American Bird Conservancy projected that the number could more than double in 20 years if the administration realizes its goal for wind power. Continue reading ‘Wind farms under fire for bird kills’

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Hawaii Agriculture Research Center | Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.)

Published on August 26, 2011 in Cacao, Chocolate and General Ag News and Notes.

Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) is native to Central and South America and has been cultivated since prehistoric times in Mexico. For cacao production to be profitable in Hawaii, high tonnage and superior quality are required. However, Hawaiian cacao plantings are variable in both quality and yield, and are not necessarily adapted to Hawaii’s growing conditions. The genotypes of these trees are unknown, and growers are not able to identify the types of cacao trees on their farms. Through the use of DNA marker techniques, we are now able to Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. of superior cultivars based on their parentages/pedigrees. By the use of simple sequence repeat DNA markers, many individual trees have been fingerprinted. The survey group was found to include Criollo, Trinitario, Forastero and their hybrid types, plus genetically unique trees. The large genetic variation among Hawaii’s cacao trees currently grown here suggests it may not be necessary to import additional cacao genotypes to supplement locally available germplasm. The existing variation allows us to select and produce superior genotypes specifically suited for a grower’s production environment.

Hawaii Agriculture Research Center

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Maui County Farm Bureau Presents Maui Ag Day

Published on August 25, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes, Haliimaile Pineapple, Maui Gold Pineapple, Pineapple and food safety.


The Maui County Farm Bureau (MCFB) will present the second annual Maui Ag Day with a focus on “Understanding Food Safety Certification” on Friday, Aug. 26, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hāli‘imaile Pineapple Company located at 872 Hāli‘imaile Road.

The trade show, panel discussion, tour and parking are free and open to the general public.

The day opens with the trade show and continental breakfast. At 9 a.m., the event will feature a Food Safety Certification Panel Presentation by three Maui farmers who have completed the Food Safety Certification process: Heidi Watanabe of Watanabe Processing, Geoff Haines of Pacific Produce and Brian Igersheim of Hāli‘imaile Pineapple Co. At 10:30 a.m., tour of Hāli‘imaile Pineapple Company facilities and pineapple fields. A Grown on Maui lunch will be provided to MCFB members at 11:45 a.m.; non-members may purchase lunch. Continue reading ‘Maui County Farm Bureau Presents Maui Ag Day’

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Know Your Land and Eat It Too

Published on August 25, 2011 in Ag Tourism, Cacao, Coffee, General Ag News and Notes and Taro.


IN YOUR FRIDGE / Farmers’ market managers, Pamela Boyer and Annie Suite have joined hands with local farmers to create Oahu Agri-Tours. There’s no fancy farmhouse or massive farm machinery; what you see is what you get. You’ll experience first-hand how farmers are committed to practicing clean, organic farming.

Poamoho Farms is one of the farms on tour, and guests learn how the fruit orchard uses natural pest management and fertilization methods. Tin Roof Ranch farmers Luann Casey and Gary Gunder butcher their chickens the day before selling them at the market.

Na Mea Kupono wetland taro farm practices old school taro farming methods that most locals don’t even know about. Here you can also watch a traditional poi-pounding demonstration.

At Mohala Farms you’ll see how simple and natural farming is still possible (and still exists). Continue reading ‘Know Your Land and Eat It Too’

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HGCSA 2011 GOLF TOURNAMENT

Published on August 25, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes and Golf.

Annual Hawaii Golf Course Superintendents Association GOLF TOURNAMENT

The HGCSA Annual Golf Tournament will be held on September 22, 2011 at the Hoakalei Country Club. Shotgun start is at 11:00 a.m., with a banquet and reception to follow.

This year’s event will feature over $5,000 in prizes. A low gross champion, as well as competitors in three flights will be crowned, so reserve your spot in this tournament early. Entry fee is $80, and is due September 1, 1211.

CLICK HERE to download the SUPERINTENDENT’S ENTRY FORM
CLICK HERE to download the SPONSOR COMMITMENT FORM

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List of Cacao Growers, Processors, Propagators, Artisan/Chocolatiers – The Chocolate Life

Published on August 25, 2011 in Cacao, Chocolate and General Ag News and Notes.

Hi! I am Madel, a Fulbright Scholar currently working with Dr. Skip Bittenbender on a research on cacao at the UH . Right now we’re listing the cacao growers, propagators, Chocolatiers/artisan with a hope that we can meet sometime to discuss on the cacao industry in Hawaii and aim to have a wonderful Hawaii Cacao industry in the future.

Will you care to email me your name, Farm/bussiness location, home address, email address. Please state the no. of cacao trees you have; the products you sell or produce.

Hope to hear from you ASAP. Mahalo and God bless you all!
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List of Cacao Growers, Processors, Propagators, Artisan/Chocolatiers – The Chocolate Life

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Tougher penalties, product tracking considered to curb agriculture crimes

Published on August 25, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes, Haliimaile Pineapple, Maui Gold Pineapple and Pineapple.


Fighting farm theft and vandalism is getting a closer look by state officials in the wake of high-profile cases.

Tougher penalties, rural neighborhood watch and product tracking from field to vendor are among the ideas to combat a growing and troublesome trend.

Whether it’s theft of produce or vandalism on a massive scale, agricultural crime is becoming center on the state’s radar.

“It was the vandalism that really led to all of the interest, because we’ve have three incidents that we know of, so it’s kind of building,” said State Agriculture Director Russell Kokubun.

The crimes range from brazen papaya crop destruction on Oahu and the Big Island, to pineapple theft on Maui.

“We’ve had probably one or two pickups a day stolen out of 1350 acres, that’s a lot,” says Doug MacCluer of Haliimaile Pineapple Co. Continue reading ‘Tougher penalties, product tracking considered to curb agriculture crimes’

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Maui Ag Day to focus on food safety certification

Published on August 24, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes, Haliimaile Pineapple, Maui Gold Pineapple and Pineapple.

HALIIMAILE – The Maui County Farm Bureau will host the second annual Maui Ag Day with a focus on understanding food safety certification from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Haliimaile Pineapple Co.

The trade show, a panel presentation on food safety, tour and parking are free. That event will be held at 872 Haliimaile Road.

A “Grown on Maui” lunch is free for Maui County Farm Bureau members. There is a fee for nonmembers.

Those planning to attend should RSVP by Wednesday. For more information, send email to warrenmcfb@hot mail.com or call 243-2290.

Maui Ag Day to focus on food safety certification – Mauinews.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Visitor’s Information – The Maui News

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Mangoes from India, Pakistan now compete in US market

Published on August 22, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes and Mango.


WASHINGTON: Three years after the Indian ” alphanso” landed in the US to the delight of diehard mango lovers, the popular ” chausa” variety from Pakistan has entered American markets this month, leading to cheers from the fruit’s fans.

Traders involved in its import concede that this brings an element of competition between the mango varieties from two countries, though both are facing the problem of high costs and are presently quite far away from the reach of the masses and are not readily available in Indian and Pakistani grocery stores.

Jaidev Sharma, president of Mangozz.com, one of the largest importers of the fruit from India and Pakistan, says that generally mangoes from India have an edge over those from Pakistan.

After the arrival of the first commercial shipment of about 800 boxes of Pakistani “chausa” early this month, a box of six “chausa” mangoes was quickly taken at an unbelievable premium price of USD 60-USD 100.

In the last few years, the Indian “alphanso” has been the costliest variety in the US, with a box (weighing about 3 kgs and containing nine to 12 mangoes) being sold this year at USD 40 to USD 80 in the retail market. Continue reading ‘Mangoes from India, Pakistan now compete in US market’

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Tensions rise as Latinos feel under siege in America’s deep south

Published on August 20, 2011 in Farm Labor and General Ag News and Notes.


The mobile home that Nancy Lugo and her two children live in might not seem like much to many people.

It sits off a dirt road, by a slow-moving creek, on the outskirts of the tiny Georgia town of Uvalda. It is surrounded by thick forest and fields full of the local speciality: Vidalia onions.

But for Lugo, 34, it is a symbol of a better life in America. Here in Georgia, far from her native Mexico, Lugo has a solid job, sends her kids to school and loves the rhythm of rural life. “It is peaceful. I am happy here,” she said.

The patch of land she bought for her trailer was vacant before she came. But she dug a well and sank septic tanks, carving a home from the wilderness in a grand American tradition. She got a job. She paid her taxes.

Now it is all under threat.

For Lugo is an illegal immigrant in the deep south. In the midst of general anti-immigrant sentiment, several southern states have passed strict anti-illegal immigrant laws that critics say raises the prospect of a new Jim Crow era – the time when segregation was law Continue reading ‘Tensions rise as Latinos feel under siege in America’s deep south’

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Seychelles shark attack kills honeymooning man

Published on August 16, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes.


A British man on his honeymoon has been killed by a shark in the Seychelles, less than a fortnight after a French tourist was also fatally bitten in the waters off the same island.

The 30-year-old, named as Ian Redmond from Lancashire, was attacked on Tuesday while his bride was sunbathing on the shore, according to reports.

The shark struck in the waters off Anse Lazio beach on the island of Praslin, the second largest in the Indian Ocean archipelago and a popular destination with honeymooning Britons. Continue reading ‘Seychelles shark attack kills honeymooning man’

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Grower’s Secret: Chance discovery a ‘rough gem’ in Pacific

Published on August 14, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes.


Alexander Fleming found penicillin growing in a petri dish in the basement of St. Mary’s Hospital in London.

Bryan Hiromoto discovered his plant growth enhancer in a bag of nutrients for mushrooms on his farm in Haiku.

The magnitudes of their discoveries vary greatly. Fleming won a Nobel Prize for bringing antibiotics to the world and saving lives. Hiromoto’s work led to an organic solution that speeds up the metabolism of plants at the molecular level and enhances growth.

What they do have in common is a chance happening that led to their discoveries.

“It’s kind of cool. . . . It’s one of those things we found by accident,” said Wesley Chun, chief science officer of Grower’s Secret, the company that markets Hiromoto’s discovery.

The result of Hiromoto’s accidental finding and the development of the plant growth enhancer have led to Grower’s Secret being selected as a finalist in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2011 Hawaii Business Innovation Showcase. If the company is selected in early September by a panel of government and business leaders as the state or county winner, Grower’s Secret will have an opportunity to promote itself at venues and events surrounding the international economic conference in November. Continue reading ‘Grower’s Secret: Chance discovery a ‘rough gem’ in Pacific’

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Farmers turn away from organic as sales drop

Published on August 11, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes and Organic Ag.


The economic downturn means organic farmers are less likely to reap rewards of premium prices for their produce

Farmers across the UK have been deserting organic farming, or holding back on plans to convert their land to more environmentally friendly farming methods, as sales of organic products have fallen in the economic downturn.

Last year, only 51,000 hectares was in “conversion” – the process that farmers need to go through to have their land and practices certified as organic. That is less than half the amount of land that was in conversion in 2009, which itself was down markedly from the recent peak of 158,000Ha in 2007, according to statistics released by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on Thursday morning.

Far fewer farmers are interested in turning their land to organic production, despite the promise of premium prices for their produce, after a marked fall in sales of organic goods in the past two years as a result of the recession. Continue reading ‘Farmers turn away from organic as sales drop’

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Kona growers take on national chain

Published on August 11, 2011 in Coffee and General Ag News and Notes.


HONOLULU – Hawaii farmer Paul Uster was on vacation in California when he saw a package of Kona coffee blend in a supermarket that he knew would upset fellow growers back home on the Big Island.

The Safeway brand of Kona blend medium roast coffee didn’t specify what percentage was made from the world-famous bean or whether it was grown in Hawaii – information a law in the Aloha State requires for labels on Hawaii-grown coffee. That law is meant to inform consumers but also protect the integrity of Hawaii’s premier coffee grown on slopes of volcanic rock.

“It degrades the reputation and the quality of Kona coffee. When consumers are not informed it makes it harder for me to make a living,” said Uster, who owns Mokulele Farms and is on the board of directors of the Kona Coffee Farmers Association. “Kona and other Hawaiian coffees are a great treasure to the state.”

Hawaii is the only place in the United States where coffee is grown. Beans grown in the Kau district of the Big Island are also gaining popularity among discerning coffee aficionados.

Safeway’s blend was priced at $8.99 a pound, Uster said, while 8 ounces of pure Kona coffee can sell for $25. Continue reading ‘Kona growers take on national chain’

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Amid anger over tainted food, China says it’s cracking down

Published on August 10, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes and food safety.


By Keith B. Richburg,
BEIJING — “Bodybuilder” pigs given illegal growth hormones in their feed. Harmful additives to make pork taste like beef. Outdated steamed buns painted with coloring to look new. Formaldehyde in a popular Sichuan dish. Exploding watermelons treated with plant growth chemicals.

These are just some of the many food scares in China in recent days and weeks that have made local newspaper headlines and caused growing public anxiety — and anger — among Chinese consumers about the quality of what they eat and drink.

“I’m really worried about food safety,” said Li Suhua, 57, who is retired and was shopping for her family recently at a fruit and vegetable market. She said she now comes to the market two or three hours before cooking, to give herself time to soak leafy green vegetables free of pesticides. As for meat, she said, “I’m even more worried. We haven’t eaten chicken for a long time, because I heard they gave hormones to chickens.”

“It’s really horrifying,” she said. Continue reading ‘Amid anger over tainted food, China says it’s cracking down’

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