In this episode we speak with folks from the Hawaii County Department of Finance, Property Tax Administration office, about recent changes to Hawaii County’s property tax regulations and filing requirements that can allow agriculture producers to receive, or continue to receive, preferential property tax rates for their property on the Big Island of Hawaii. These changes have created quite a stir among agriculture producers so we wanted to get more information and some clarification about these ...
Jun 15, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 3Ep. 4
By all accounts, Green Point Nurseries on the Big Island of Hawaii is a success story, so we decided to pay them a visit. In this episode, we talk about how this family, now in its third generation of cut flower production, has gotten through the hurdles of family succession, shifting markets, and growing pains that any agriculture producer will experience over many decades of growing and selling in, and from Hawaii. Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resili...
May 20, 2025•59 min•Season 3Ep. 3
In this episode we speak with Susan Collins, owner of Bird and Bee Hawai‘i on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. As you will hear, Susan has gone to great lengths to educate folks about bees, bee keeping, and legislation related to bees in Hawaii. We talked about how she got here, where things are going, and then heard a very recent update related to colony collapse on the mainland, and the impact of government cutbacks, DOGE (the US Department of Government Efficiency) and the spending freezes implemen...
Apr 16, 2025•45 min•Season 3Ep. 2
When we attended the 2024 Hawaii Agriculture Conference on Oahu, we noticed that the name Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawai‘i figured prominently, so we decided to find out more about it. In this episode we speak with Board President Diane Ley about the history and vision of ALFHawaiʻi, how and why ALFH started and continues the Hawaiʻi Ag Conference, and details about their 14 month Agriculture Leadership Program from Diane but also from Molly Mamaril, a recent graduate we spoke with ...
Mar 16, 2025•54 min•Season 3Ep. 1
We hope you enjoy this rebroadcast of an earlier, "Voices from the Field" podcast. In this episode, we speak with the Reppun brothers on Oahu about some of the struggles they have faced, and solutions they have either found or invented, over the 50 years they have been farming. Want to learn more about them? Watch a "Mālama the Farmer" video here: https://youtu.be/z7vTrNfJcvM This podcast is brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. and Human Resources, and the Seeds of Well...
Feb 11, 2025•58 min•Season 2Ep. 12
In this episode we speak with Dean Parwinder Grewal, nine months after his appointment as Dean of the University of Hawaii’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, where he is already starting to make his mark - like changing what CTAHR stands for! We find out about his agriculture and education backgrounds, and how he found out about and why he accepted the position in Hawaii. We hear his vision for Hawaii’s resiliency and how that has shaped, and will shape, his work and that of...
Dec 10, 2024•56 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In this episode we speak with Dana Shapiro from Hawaiʻi Ulu Coop who shares her journey from working with local chef Peter Merrimen to facilitate an AgVentures program, to helping found and now manage The Co-op as itʻs Chief Executive Officer on Hawaii island where it all started, We discuss expansion of The Co-op to now include the islands of Oahu, Maui, and Kauai and crops that now include taro, sweet potato and squash crops too. Brought to you by University of Hawaii College of Tropical Ag. a...
Sep 28, 2024•49 min•Season 2Ep. 10
If you have lived on Oahu during the COVID pandemic or more recently, then you probably already know about FarmLink. In this episode we speak with its Founder, Rob Barreca about the pre-covid days of this online, local-only food marketplace and how it has grown by leaps and bounds since. We find out how he went from "geek for good" to CEO of an innovative new Hawaii-based company and is now firmly in the role of Chief Technology Officer to ensure FarmLink's success into their promising future. B...
Jul 27, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Season 2Ep. 9
In this episode of Voices From the Field, O'ahu farmer Joe McGinn discusses the challenges faced by Hawaii ag producers, including thin margins, increasing costs, government regulations, and natural disasters. He emphasizes the importance of having a support system, including cultural and seasonal support, courage, and connection to overcome these challenges. Joe highlights the importance of addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of agriculture, prioritizing farmers...
May 09, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In this episode we aim to address some of the common legal questions raised by the Hawaii agriculture producers we have met. We are grateful to Cat Taschner, co-founder of the nonprofit Business Law Corps in Hawaii. At a recent meeting with the University of Hawaii’s “AgConnect” course, she addressed questions she often hears and agreed to share an edited version here. She discusses topics like legal structure, liability waivers, contracts, online taxes, where webinars and templates for common l...
Apr 12, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 7
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...
Feb 16, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 6
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...
Dec 20, 2023•43 min•Season 2Ep. 5
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...
Oct 31, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 4
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 ...
Sep 21, 2023•23 min•Season 2Ep. 3
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...
Sep 16, 2023•43 min•Season 2Ep. 2
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 H...
Aug 16, 2023•55 min•Season 2Ep. 1
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)...
Jul 12, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 41
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...
Jun 22, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 40
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 Ha...
Jun 08, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 39
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 Hawai...
May 25, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 38
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...
May 11, 2023•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 37
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 an...
Apr 27, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 36
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...
Apr 13, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 35
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 po...
Mar 30, 2023•1 hr 38 min•Season 1Ep. 34
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...
Mar 16, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 33
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. Brou...
Mar 09, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 32
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 As...
Feb 16, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 31
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 ...
Feb 02, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 30
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-...
Jan 19, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 29
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...
Jan 05, 2023•54 min•Season 1Ep. 28
