Seeds Of Wellbeing - SOW

It has been said that the nine most terrifying words in the English language are “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.” but in our episode with Buddy Nichols from the US Department of Ag’s Farm Service Agency, there is nothing to fear! Listen as we talk about their loan program that may be the first place you want to look for loans as an ag producer, and we also speak about FSA’s role related to the Maui wildfires.

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources (CTAHR), and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Resources:

• USDA Farm Service Agency website
• Podcast about microloans through Kohala Center
• Podcast about Steward Lending and Feed the Hunger
• Podcast with American AgCredit and GoFarm
• Podcast with Kamehameha Schools about Food Systems
• Buddy Nichols' contact information: (808) 214-1739  or richard.nichols@usda.gov

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

On this episode of Voices from the Field, Andrea and Matt Drayer join us to share their journey into farming, and the deep meaning and value it brings to them. Listen in to learn how they navigate challenges in both farming and their personal lives. 

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

Vincent Kimura joins us on this episode of our Voices From the Field podcast series to share the value of story telling and sharing information across generations. His wealth of knowledge and experience helps paint a well-round image of how farmers can overcome some of the challenges they face through connection, community building, and knowledge sharing.

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

Joining us on this inspiring episode of Voices From the Field is Tony Vera. Tony is the founder of Mayan World Farms and shares with us how farming has helped him on his personal journey of recovery, and the deep meaning and value it provides him and his family. 

To connect with Tony and learn more about Mayan World Farms, including information about up-coming events and where to purchase their produce, visit their Facebook and Instagram page: Mayan World Farms on Facebook and @MayanWorldFarmsHI on Instagram. 

Mahalo Tony for sharing your story with our listeners.

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

Daniel Dunnom, a bee keeper, tropical fruit farmer,  and UH Hilo alumni, shares the inside scoop of what life is like as a bee keeper and how he copes with the challenges of day to day farm operations, including a meditation he uses called "Bee Breath".

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources (CTAHR), and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

To connect with Daniel for partnerships or to purchase his honey, email him at danieldunnom at gmail dot com

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

Founder and CEO of Kauai Farm Planning, Alex Wong shares from his expertise and experience rich perspectives on the challenges and solutions of attaining a 100% local agriculture economy.

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources (CTAHR), and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Resources:
- Kauai Farm Planning Facebook Page

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

We hope you enjoy this rebroadcast of an earlier, and our first, "Voices from the Field" podcast. In this episode, we hear from agriculture producers about ʻonipaʻa, and ways they address the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of Hawaiʻi agriculture production
 
This podcast is brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources, and the Seeds of Wellbeing or SOW Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

We hope you enjoy this rebroadcast of an earlier episode you may not have heard. If you are an ag producer or affiliate and wish to be on a future podcast, please complete the "Contact Us" form on our website here.

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

It is likely that anyone interested in, or involved in, growing fruit in Hawaii has heard the name of Ken Love from the Big Island of Hawaii. In this episode we speak with Ken about how he became the local pundit on tropical fruit, some thoughts on the most profitable fruits to grow and why, the importance of connecting with local chefs, Hawaii Master Food Preservers, and other musings from this local icon.

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources (CTAHR), and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Resources:

• Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers
• HTFG Facebook Page
• Palamanui Chefʻs Program
• Hilo County Farm Bureau Presentation
• Hawaii Master Food Preservers

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

In this episode we speak with Kaʻeo Duarte and Kanakolu Noa from Kamehameha Schools and Bishop Estate - which we abbreviate as KS. In an earlier podcast we spoke with KS about their 135 year history and strategic vision for the future, but in this episode we focus on how they view their role and responsibilities as part of the larger Hawaiʻi Food System with their initiatives like “50% Buy Local,” forward contracting, and a Food Systems Fund investment program.

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources (CTAHR), and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Resources:

• Kamehameha School
• Ulu Co-op
• FarmLink Hawaiʻi
• Punahou School
• Center for Good Food Purchasing
• Hawaiʻi Pacific Health
• Kahumana Farms
• Poi for the People
• Contact the KS Food Systems Fund Manager: mahiai@ksbe.edu

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

In this episode we speak with Kaʻeo Duarte and Marissa Harman from Kamehameha Schools and Bishop Estate (KS). They talk about the 135 year history of KS, and its strategic vision, but we focus on how they manage the approximately 88,000 acres deemed to be “high value ag land” in their portfolio. We also share how an ag producer can apply for KS land leases and talk about all those eucalyptus trees planted on KS land along the Hamakua Coast on the Big Island.

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources (CTAHR), and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Resources:

• Kamehameha Schools and Bishop Estates
• Mahiʻai Match-up Program
• 2009 KS Ag Plan
• Andrea from CTAHRʻs Newsletter
• Richard Ha on “If the farmer makes money the farmers will farm”
• Ulu Co-op
• KS Aina Website
• “Broken Trust” Book, available for free

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

In this episode we talk with Jay Bost who helped found the Hawaii Seedgrowers Network, and ran a GoFarm site on Oahu. When we spoke with Jay we focus on his roles in the beginning and evolution of GoFarm, with a strong focus on the role and importance of local seed production.

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources (CTAHR), and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Resources:
- “Shattering” by Pat Mooney and Cary Fowler
- Hawaii Banana Source
- Kohala Center Seed Initiative
- Hawaii See Growers Network
- Organic Seed Alliance
- CTAHR Seed Program
- Farm Link Hawaii
- GoFarm Hawaii training programs
- UH Master Gardener Program

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

In this episode we speak with Lisa Rhoden, Food Safety Director with NSEVP on the island of Oahu about The Food Safety Modernization Act (or FSMA), water testing, and NSEVPʻs Group GAP program. GAP stands for Good Agricultural Practices and Lisa facilitates a group certification process for Hawaiʻi ag producers on all the islands.

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources, and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Resources:
- North Shore EVP
- NSEVP GroupGAP Intro video
- HeavyConnect App
Water Testing by Island
- Hawaii: Aileen Yeh (ayeh@hawaii.rr.com)
- Oahu: Ming Yi Wang at Hawaii Agriculture Research Center (mwang@harc-hspa.com)
- Maui: Aimee Greenwood (agreenwd888@gmail.com)
- Kauai: Lisa Rhoden (lisa@nsevp.org) or Carl Berg (cberg@pixi.com)
Lisaʻs contact information: lisa@nsevp.org
UH AgConnect Program

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

In this episode we talk with Tyson Banasihan founder of E Ulu Farms on the island of Kauai. Tyson discusses his ongoing efforts to collect and preserve different and rare varieties of kalo (Hawaiian taro), staying connected to his cultural roots through farming, the challenges of being a modern day kalo farmer, and the intrinsic moral value of growing food for his family and community. 

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources, and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Check out E Ulu Farms on Instagram

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

In this episode we speak with Gail and Cab Baber who are long-time ag producers in Hawaii and early adopters of growing Hawaiian hemp. We talk about the many issues they have faced related to growing hemp and its many uses and promise as a crop, but also talk about a number of important issues and possible solutions related to Hawaii Ag production in general too.

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources, and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Associated Links:

• Hawaii Royal Hemp
• Island Herbs Hawaii
• Clarence Baber Sustainable Agricultural and Environmental Management
• Hawaii Hemp Farmers Association
• Hemp Farmers Are Fed Up With Government Regulations Hampering The Industry’s Potential

2023 State of Hawaii Legislative Bills:

• SB516 Hemp Producers; Commercial Hemp Production; Labeling
• SB655 Hemp Producers; Commercial Hemp Production; Cultivation
• SB637 Commercial Hemp Processing; Structures and Buildings
• HB1359 Hemp Producers; Cannabis; Licensing; Labeling ($)

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

In this episode we speak with Senator Tim Richards from the island and County of Hawaiiʻs 4th district. We talk about how this Big Island ag producer became involved in local politics, what it is like at the State Senate, and how he approaches his role as one of the Stateʻs few politicians with local agriculture experience.

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources, and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Associated Links:

• Senator Tim Richards
• Jeff Melrose Hawaii Ag Land Use Study
• FDA Food Safety Modernization Act
• Hawaii Farmers Union United
• Hawaii Farm Bureau
• Hilo Ulu Co-op
• Hawaii Cattlemenʻs Council
• Hawaii Future Farmers of America

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

In this episode we talk with Stephanie Easley, Legal Fellow at the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, and Chuck Chimera, Weed Risk Assessment Specialist, Hawaii Invasive Species Council. Stephanie and Chuck discuss their experience battling the incoming threat and spread of invasive species and noxious weeds in Hawaii and how public education, improved regulations and policies can help deter the worsening impact of unwanted pests from invading Hawaii's natural and agricultural lands. 

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources, and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Associated Links:

• Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species
• Plant Pono
• Big Island Invasive Species Committee
• Kauai Invasive Species Committee
• Oahu Invasive Species Committee
• Maui Invasive Species Committee

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

In this episode we talk with Dr. Harold Keyser, former University of Hawaii CTAHR Maui County Administrator. Dr. Keyser shares some of his thoughts on the future of diversified agriculture, community-oriented ag parks, and experiences working with ag producers and dealing with pest and pesticide stressors on Maui.     

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources, and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Associated Links:

• HDOA Pesticides Branch contact information for Education Specialists in each county.
• Hawaii Pesticide Policy and Law Review Project, Ashman and Keyser. November 2018.
• UH CTAHR Integrated Pest Management.
• Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative (PERC).
• Paracelsus - the dose makes the poison.
• Chlorine is a restricted use pesticide injected into our drinking water to make it safe. 
• How Toxic Is It? Natural and synthetic products can both be toxic (at high doses).
• Agricultural Health Study.
• Fernandez-Cornejo, J., R. Nehring, C. Osteen, S. Wechsler, A. Martin, and A. Vialou. 2014. "Pesticide Use in U.S. Agriculture: 21 Selected Crops, 1960-2008". U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, EIB-124.
• Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Pesticide Data Program Databases and Annual Summaries.
• FDA Total Diet Study - Monitoring levels of nutrient elements, toxic elements, pesticide residues, and other chemicals in foods.
• State of Hawaii Department of Health, Safe Drinking Water Branch. Drinking Water Reports.
• Pesticide Education Resources Collaborative, with links to EPA's Worker Protection Standard on pesticide use and safety information and training.
• 2013-14 STATE WIDE PESTICIDE SAMPLING PILOT PROJECT
  WATER QUALITY FINDINGS: A Joint Investigation by the Hawaii State Departments of Health and Agriculture. 2014.
• Johnson, A.G. and Kennedy, J.J., 2018, Summary of dissolved pesticide concentrations in discrete surface-water samples collected on the islands of Kauaʻi and Oʻahu,

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

In this episode we speak with Christy Martin from the Hawaii Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species (CGAPS) about the impact of invasive species in Hawaii. It is estimated that there are over 20,000 species that impact our ag producers!

The Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species (CGAPS) is a voluntary partnership of federal and state agencies and non-governmental organizations whose goal is to protect Hawaii from invasive species that impact the economy, environment, agriculture, and public health. CGAPS works to close the gaps in Hawaii’s terrestrial and aquatic invasive species prevention and response systems through greater coordination, planning, and management. CGAPS is a project of the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit of the University of Hawaiʻi. CGAPS staff also work with regional, national, and international partners on priority invasive species issues, including the synergistic effects of climate change and invasive species. 

• Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species
• To report a pest dial 643-PEST (7378) or submit online here

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

In this episode we speak with Sarah Freeman and Glenn Sako, both with the County of Hawaiʻi R&D Economic Development department. We learn about how they focus on agriculture and food systems on Hawaii Island (also known as the Big Island). We spoke to each of them at different times about how Hawaii County is working to advance and support the work of agriculture producers in the County

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources, and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Associated Links (Sarah):

• Hawaii County R&D Agricultural and Food Services
• Hawaii Island Food Alliance
• Hawaii Island Ag Partnership
• Vibrant Hawaii
• HIP Agriculture
• FarmLink Oahu
• Garden to Cafeteria Program
• NRCS EQUIP Program

Associated Links (Glenn):

• Coqui Frogs
• Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle
• Glennʻs Email Address: Glenn.Sako@hawaiicounty.gov
• University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links

In this episode we speak with Ryan Anderson from Steward Lending, and Eric Bowman from both the Kohala Center Business Services Team, and Loan Officer for Feed The Hunger Fund, about financial assistance available to and focused on ag producers.

Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources, and the Seeds of Well-being (SOW) Project. This podcast is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Associated Links:

• Steward Lending
• The Kohala Center
• Feed the Hunger Fund
• Kiva Microloans
• Slow Money ag loans
• USDA ag loans in Hawaii
• American AgCredit
• Food and Water Watch article about Iowa pork production
• USDA Pigford Cases
• Our Podcast with Eric about Kiva, etc.
• Cognitive ability decreases during weather stressors

Find out more about us:

• Seeds Of Wellbeing website
• Seeds of Wellbeing Resource Hub
• All the SOW links