The Kona County Farm Bureau is a non-profit organization representing the agricultural community of North and South Kona districts, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Its membership is dedicated to improving the quality of life on farms, ranches, and their rural communities.
The Kona County Farm Bureau is a member of the Big Island Farm Bureau, which is an island-wide organization. The Kona chapter is also a member of the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, which represents agricultural interests statewide. The Hawaii Farm Bureau is a member of the American Farm Bureau Federation, representing 5.6 million farmers and ranchers at the national and international levels.
Little Fire Ant Update:
The Little Fire Ant (LFA) infestions have been confirmed on the east side of the Big Island, from Puna through North Hilo. This is an alarming problem. It is very important you educate yourself, so that you can do whatever you need to keep the LFA off of your farm, as well as keeping it from spreading elsewhere on the Big Island, and the state. Once infested, it is nearly impossible, if not enormously expensive to eradicate. The LFA makes it physically hazardous to pick any tree crop. It can blind your pets and seriously endanger children. The HDOA has hired an expert to help fight this horrific agricultural pest.
Test for LFA on all materials that enter your farm, especially, any plants, dirt, or mulch. Be aware that LFA infestations have been found at the Hilo Green Waste Facility. If you suspect a LFA infestation, call the HDOA (974-4140) and report it.
For more information click here:
HAWAII COFFEE ASSOCIATION CUPPING COMPETITION 2009
1ST STATEWIDE CUPPING CONTEST
WHEN: July 10 -11, 2009
WHERE: At the Hawaii Coffee Association’s 14th Annual Conference & Trade Show at the Maui Tropical Plantation
PURPOSE:
• To promote and better understand the cupping qualities of Hawaiian grown coffees
• To compare and contrast coffees from different growing Regions
• To receive a descriptive analysis from professional cuppers to use in describing, promoting, & marketing individual Coffees
• To learn the process of cupping and rating the cup qualities of coffee
• To be recognized with awards for the best coffee
ORGANIZERS: The Cupping Competition will be organized by the HCA and will be run by Professional Cuppers – Wholesale Coffee Roasters & Brokers from the mainland USA
ENTRIES: The Cupping Competition will be open to all coffees grown 100% in the Hawaiian Islands and Certified by origin by the Hawaii State Dept. of Agriculture
DEADLINE: Farmers need to bring their 10 pound green samples for the HCA Cupping Competition to the HDOA office for certification before May 29, 2009 and please call ahead if possible and allow inspectors time to conduct the certification
SUMMARY: The Cupping Competition will give growers and consumers a better understanding of the cupping process and how to rate different coffees on various cup qualities. It will also allow exposure to local and mainland markets as to the qualitiy and diversity of Hawaiian grown coffees
Farmers who need to get their coffee certified for Hawaii Cupping Competition have to bring their coffee to their miller (Greenwell Farms & Captain Cook Coffee) or call and bring by the HDOA office by May 29, 2009. There is no charge to the farmer for 10# Sample Certification for entry in the competition.
Contact Steve Collector, (808) 323-3131 for more info. on the conference, and David Gridley, (808) 280-1623 for more info. on the cupping competition.
Hawaii Big Island Community Development Plans
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