Eat Local Challenge - wherever you are!

Hopefully most of you are already eating local but if you need more of an incentive, this week is Kanu Hawaii's "Eat Local Challenge." The challenge is to have 100% of your food be locally grown for one week. I'm going to Japan so my challenge is to eat completely local in Japan. I think I'll do okay. Talk to you all later! Aloha, Pauline

New York Times Editorial

On a more serious note, this editorial from the New York Times (Editorial Observer) came out on September 20. It's about the Aloun Farms case. It's not quite the publicity that Ag or Hawaii in general is trying to achieve, I'm afraid. What do you think? Is the author (who has lived in Hawaii) off-base or on-target?

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/21/opinion/21tue4.html?_r=2&scp=1&sq=hawaii%20agriculture&st=cse

Waimea School Mala'ai

The Waimea Middle School Mala'ai was such an inspirational stop. Amanda Rieux captured our imagination in that wonderful indoor/outdoor classroom. Imagine what fun we would have had growing up with that as part of our school.

Hawaii Island Alumni Potluck

Here we are with some of the ALP alumni on Hawai'i Island at Waiki'i Ranch. Our host was David Ka'apu, who could be known as Mr. Congeniality. Just think, someday WE will be hosting these potlucks!

Hawaiian Vanilla Company Lunch

There was Hawaiian-grown vanilla in practically every aspect of the meal, including the lemonade. So 'ono!

Hamakua Mushrooms

Pomai just couldn't resist these delicious little mushrooms. Anyone remember the name?

Coffee Berry Borer Info

Hey gang, this is just to let you know that a Coffee Berry Borer (CBB) Information Page has been created by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to provide updated information on the recently confirmed infestation of the CBB in Kona. An informational sheet about the CBB is now available on their website.

There is also growing concern from the conservation community that this pest might spread to related native species from the Coffee Family (Rubiaceae), including pilo (Coprosma spp.), kopiko (Psychotria spp.), Hedyotis/Kadua spp. and rare and endangered nau (Gardenia brighamii, G. remyi). Yikes!