Priva –
With the Priva Academy, we offer knowledge and courses in the field of horticulture. By working together with other parties, we are adding even more horticulture-related knowledge as well as expanding the range of courses we offer. We are therefore pleased to announce that the first agreement with HortiTech has recently been officially signed. The first, brand new course is expected to be available this summer.
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Programs: – Organic Agriculture Program | Ecosystems Programs | Global Change and Climate Programs | Water Programs | Aquaculture | Manure & Nutrient Management Programs | Animal Reproduction | Horticulture Programs | Environmental & Resource Economics Programs | Sustainable Agriculture Program | Crop Protection and Pest Management Program | Weed Science
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The Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) seeks to solve critical organic agriculture issues, priorities, or problems through the integration of research, education, and extension activities. The purpose of this program is to fund projects that will enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market high quality organic agricultural products. Priority concerns include biological, physical, and social sciences, including economics. The OREI is particularly interested in projects that emphasize research, education and outreach that assist farmers and ranchers with whole farm planning by delivering practical research-based information. Projects should plan to deliver applied production information to producers. Fieldwork must be done on certified organic land or on land in transition to organic certification, as appropriate to project goals and objectives. Refer to the USDA National Organic Program for organic production standards.
Maui Association of Landscape Professionals (MALP) –
We are excited to present our last event for 2020! This talk will be on Benefits of Composting with Gerry Ross. Gerry is most assuredly Maui’s compost expert, as well as an organic farmer in Kula. Please join us for this virtual event on Thursday December 17 at 5 pm to learn about how you can start your own compost at home or at work.
CLICK to download the Flyer for completer infornmation on the event..
ISA & LICT CEU’s are also available!
We’re excited to see you there!
If you have any questions, please contact Allison at 808-268-6927 or email at malp.maui@gmail.com
Allison Wright
MALP – President
Techniques And The Open Tatura Trellis System.
High Density Mango Farming for the 21st Century: Orchard Installation and Management Years One to Three
Thursday October 29, 2020 12p.m.- 1p.m.
Zoom online
Register online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-mango-loa-projecthigh-density-mango-farming-in-the-21st-century-tickets-124657781781
We will discuss:
– Orchard layout, orientation, and management
– Pruning and training
– Pest control
– Nutrients
If you have any questions about the event or the Mango Loa project: umisfarm@gmail.com
Although not certified organic, Olana Farm grows produce on 2.25-acres using strictly organic methods.
What’s growing now
Arugula, avocado, basil (Thai, Italian, lemon), bak choy, beets, carrots, celery, chard (Swiss, rainbow), chives, cilantro, collards, fennel, green onions, ginger, guava, kale (curly, lacinato, red Russian, red curly), kaffir (leaves, fruit), mint, mustard greens (red, green), oregano, pak choi, papaya (green sunrise), pak choi (baby green, baby purple), parsley (Italian, curly), passionfruit, pea shoots, pineapple (white), pumpkin, rosemary, tangelo, thyme, tomatoes (cherry red, yellow pear), turmeric, turnips (white, red), yacón.
Amira Pumpkin
“This variety was selected from seeds that were saved because they are adapted to Hawaii and resist powdery mildew and being stung by the fruit fly,” says Tom O’Connor. “We liken it to a tender butternut squash, but it has thin skin and sweet, tender flesh. We named it after my wife, Amira.”
Amira pumpkins have a deep gold, creamy interior that’s sweet and full of seeds, which can be planted in home gardens. You don’t need to peel them because the skin is smooth and tender enough to eat.
Pumpkins are a prolific crop and a medium sized one can make up to eight meals. They are considered a winter squash because they are harvested in late summer and early fall, and keep throughout the winter.
Season
Amira pumpkins take up to three months to go from seed to table. On Kauai, they are available from spring through summer and possibly into fall.
What to look for
Select pumpkins that are hard, heavy and free of soft spots. External skin blemishes do not compromise the integrity of the flesh. Stems should be attached, otherwise bacteria gets inside and spoils the flesh.
Storage
Store on a counter out of direct sunlight. O’Connor says pumpkins stored this way will keep for a few weeks.
Tip
Seeds make an excellent snack food. Scoop out the pulp and seeds and spread the seeds in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Lightly roast at 160 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Roasting for a relatively short time at a low temperature minimizes damage to healthy oils.
Preparation
Purchasing pumpkins may seem expensive, but they are worth every penny. I used my pumpkin in four meals: the pilaf below, a kale and caramelized onion tart, ravioli (made with wonton wrappers) and a Thai coconut soup.
Organic food is no better for you than the traditionally grown even though it may taste better, say researchers.
Despite the perception that organic food grown without artificial fertilisers, pesticides and other chemicals, is more pure, nutritious and virtuous, scientists have said there is little evidence that it is healthier.
There are no convincing differences between organic and conventional foods in nutrient content or health-benefits
A review of 237 research studies into organic food found the products were 30 per cent less likely to contain pesticide residue than conventionally grown fruit and vegetables but were not necessarily 100 per cent free of the chemicals. They found no consistent differences in the vitamin content of organic products.
There were higher levels of phosphorus in organically grown food but the researchers said this was of little importance as so few people were deficient in this. The only other significant finding was that some studies suggested organic milk contained higher levels of omega-3 fatty acid, which is thought to be important for brain development in infants and for cardiovascular health. Dr Crystal Smith-Spangler, of Stanford’s Centre for Health Policy, said “we were a little surprised” by the results but that people should eat more fruit and vegetables, no matter how they are grown, because most Western diets are deficient.
Dr Dena Bravata, a fellow researcher, said that, beyond their perceived health benefits, people also bought organic products because of taste, concerns about the effects of conventional farming practices on the environment and animal welfare.