Seeds Of Wellbeing - SOW

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 Seed...

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 l...

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,”...

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...

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 (S...

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...

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...

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 Ha...

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 R...

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 dete...

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 Resour...

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...

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 Brough...

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 b...

We are rebroadcasting this episode of the Hawaii-based “What School Could Be” podcast featuring Oahu Hawaii agriculture teacher Jackie Freitas because there is such a strong connection between the content and our work at the SOW project. Josh Reppun, brother to Paul and Charlies Reppun who are long-time Oahu farmers, is a friend of the SOW project and when he completed this interview, thought of u...

Many of the people we have interviewed for the SOW project have stressed the enormous importance of water to ag production in Hawaii, and how it can sometimes be either difficult to obtain, expensive, or both. In this episode we speak with the Reppun brothers Charlie and Paul, farmers from the windward side of Oahu, about the water struggles they have faced, but also about the realities of being i...

In this episode we talk with Christy Wong, founder of the Kauai Animal Education Farm. Christy talks about the purpose and mission of the education farm and how it serves as a place for youth, kupuna, and community to come together and heal through the process of taking care of neglected pets and rescued farm animals.        Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human...

In this episode we speak with Hoʻōla  Veteran Services co-founder Emily Emmons and Hilo Food Hub Manager Amanda Cox about the range of services offered. We review in detail their goFarm "Growing Veterans" program, their Farm-to-Car online farmers market, and the Hilo Food Hub. This podcast is brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources (CTAHR), and...

In this episode we speak with veteran Charley Jordan who followed his passions for both farming and the military service all over the world. He talks about his path in agriculture that has taken many twists and turns, with some unexpected results, on his way to becoming a "vetrepreneur" and horticulture therapist. This podcast is brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical...

In this episode we speak with Dr. Lew Abrams, clinical psychologist and farmer on the island of Maui. We talk about his struggles as a farmer, but also about what he sees in his work with ag producers related to their mental health and talk about ways of effectively dealing with the stress. This podcast is brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources (CTAHR),...

In this episode we speak with En Young from The Pacific Gateway Center on Oahu whose mission is to empower low-income residents, immigrants, refugees and other vulnerable populations to achieve self-sufficiency through skill-building and access to opportunities while respecting cultural heritages.. En has recently taken the role of Executive Director and shares details about their programs and som...

In this episode we speak with Georgia Pinsky who is both farmer and a farmer resource on the island of Maui, and Representative Amy Perruso from District 46 of Hawaiʻiʻs state legislature and a member of the Ag, Finance, and Energy & Environmental Protection committees. We talk about stressors ag producers have voiced related to legislative issues, and also some possible ways we can all help m...

In this episode, we speak with Chad Buck, Keynote speaker at the 2022 Hawaiʻi Agriculture Conference and Owner and CEO of Hawaiʻi Foodservice Alliance or HFA. If you have perishable foods in your home, chances are it got there because of the work of HFA to obtain and distribute food throughout the Hawaiian islands. We talk about lessons learned from COVID, and also about Hawaiʻi food security, dis...

In this episode we speak with Lawaia Naihe, Executive Director at Hoʻākeolapono Trades Academy & Institute, a nonprofit  based out of Anahola, Kauai on Department of Hawaiian Homelands land. Hoʻākeolaponoʻs mission is to provide the Hawaiian community with cutting-edge vocational training across high-demand trades, with a special focus on problem-solving and lifelong learning. The nonprofit is...

In this episode we talk with Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser, Chair of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, about how the Department has worked supporting agriculture producers during COVID and with lands managed by the Department for producers. She also highlights key issues the Department faces, ways all of us can impact change, and some thoughts on the future of agriculture in Hawaii.  Brought to y...