Gonsalves, farmers honored by Senate

Gonsalves, farmers honored by Senate

(Photo courtesy of Hawaii Senate Majority)

MEDIA RELEASE
Senators have honored Dr. Dennis Gonsalves with a Certificate of Recognition today for his work and research in the field of agriculture.
Gonsalves led a team of researchers that developed the first ringspot virus-resistant papaya in 1991, known as the Rainbow Papaya.
Before the Rainbow Papaya was released to growers in 1998, the ringspot virus had reduced Hawaii’s papaya production by 50 percent.
Gonsalves and the transgenic Rainbow Papaya he and his team developed virtually saved the Hawaii papaya industry from almost total demise.
Born and raised in Kohala, Gonsalves is an award-winning researcher who has received international recognition for his work.
The Senate also recognized farmers honored by the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation and the Hawaii Crop Improvement Association.
The farmers traveled from the mainland to share their stories about how biotechnology is helping them with real agricultural challenges to ensure a sustainable food supply.

Ilagan hears ag concerns at Pahoa talk story

Ilagan hears ag concerns at Pahoa talk story

Council member Greggor Ilagan facilitates the agriculture talk story March 22. (Photo courtesy of Greggor Ilagan)

MEDIA RELEASE
More than 60 people gathered March 22 at the Pahoa Community Center for an agricultural talk-story session.  The Interim Dean of the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management (CAFNRM), Dr. Bruce Matthews, industry experts from the Hawaii Island Papaya Association, and County Council Member Greggor Ilagan of District 4, discussed the current state of agriculture and concerns for the future of food with the community.

The community had questions regarding issues of soil fertility, community gardening and resources available to remedy the increasing concern with food safety and sustainability.  “This right here, is what we need more of,” said Ilagan, as he facilitated communication between the community and Matthews.

“Everyone agrees; we need more collaboration, cooperation and action between the individuals in the community, agencies and schools, and the policy makers,” Ilagan said.

Also in attendance was Rep. Faye Hanohano, Eileen O’Hara, a representative from Sen. Russell Ruderman’s office, and Dennis Kauka Jr., aide to Council Member Zendo Kern of District 5.
The talk-story session was a prelude to Ilagan’s continued collaboration with community members to increase efforts and efficacy in agriculture.

“It’s our time to take action. We need to hear from the community and responsibly direct dwindling resources to the highest areas of need,” he said. “We don’t live in a bountiful economy, but we do have the land to cultivate bounty. Talents and skills exist within every individual; collectively, we can accomplish so much. Let’s work together and creatively use what we have available to address food needs in the community.”

For more information, call Ilagan’s office at 965-2712 or e-mail gilagan@hawaiicounty.gov.

Organic farmers grant available

Organic farmers grant available

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is currently accepting applications for a new round of organic certification cost-share assistance to organic farmers and organic livestock operators. Renewed federal funding totaling up to $65,000 has been allotted to help Hawaii organic farmers with the cost of organic certification through a cooperative agreement executed between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and HDOA.

Organic farmers and livestock operators are required to have their farms and practices inspected annually and certified by an agent approved by the USDA. The Agricultural Management Assistance Organic Certification Cost-Share Program (AMAOCCSP) allows organic growers to receive reimbursement of up to 75 percent of the cost of this inspection and certification (up to a maximum of $750). The AMAOCCSP program was authorized under the Federal Crop Insurance Act. This is the fifth consecutive year that Hawaii has participated in this program.

To receive reimbursement, the date of certification or renewal by a USDA accredited certifying agent must occur between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013.

For applications and information click here for the HDOA website.

Unfortunately, USDA did not renew a separate program this year for organic processors/handlers. 

Pahoa to Host ‘Talk Story’ Session on Agriculture and Gardening

http://bigislandnow.com/2013/03/18/pahoa-to-host-talk-story-session-on-agriculture-and-gardening/

A 'talk story' session on agriculture and gardening will be held at the Pahoa Community Center this Friday. Hawaii Department of Agriculture photo.

Posted on March 18th, 2013

by Nate Gaddis

Hawaii County Councilman Greggor Ilagan’s office is inviting the community to participate in a ‘talk story’ session with experts from the agricultural industry on Friday, March 22 at 5:30 pm in the Pahoa Community Center.
The discussion will include Bruce Mathews, Phd, the Interim Dean of UH Hilo’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management.
“We need to get boots on the ground to help people with all aspects of gardening and agriculture,” said Mathews.
Friday’s session will feature an overview of the UH Hilo program, workshops, and educational opportunities for farmers and gardeners. Grant funding may also be discussed.
Members of the Hawai`i Papaya Association will also be present to answer questions.
A sign-up sheet will be available for future workshops on vermicomposting by horticulturalist Dr. Norman Arancon.
Vermicomposting relies on earthworms to create nutrient-rich organic fertilizers and soil conditioners.
Anyone is invited to attend. Questions about Friday’s session may be directed to the office of Councilman Ilagan at 808-965-2712. He may also be reached by email at gilagan@hawaiicounty.gov.
For more information on vermicomposting, contact Dr. Arancon at normanq@hawaii.edu.

Tax law change would affect farmers markets | Hawaii Tribune Herald

Tax law change would affect farmers markets | Hawaii Tribune Herald

Tax law change would affect farmers markets

HOLLYN JOHNSON/Tribune-Herald
Shoppers visit the Hilo Farmers Market on Wednesday afternoon in downtown Hilo.

1

By TOM CALLIS
Tribune-Herald staff writer
Cash-based businesses could be facing more pressure from Hawaii tax collectors.
The state Department of Taxation is seeking to amend a state law that allows businesses that rely on cash transactions, such as vendors at farmers markets or swap meets, to avoid penalties for not keeping proper records of sales if they don’t do more than 10 transactions a day.
Department spokeswoman Mallory Fujitani said the law was passed to give smaller businesses “some flexibility” in case they weren’t familiar with state tax law. But it has since opened the door to abuse, she said, with some businesses claiming they do too few of sales to pay taxes or keep records even when that’s not the case.

How much the state loses in revenue because of that is hard to estimate, she said.
“We need to encourage them to do record keeping that’s required of all other taxpayers,” Fujitani said.
Lawmakers are considering a bill to make the change.
Senate Bill 1196 passed the Senate and is up for consideration by the House Committee on Finance.
R. Peterson, a Hilo Farmers Market vendor who declined to give her full first name, said she is concerned the rule change would place too much pressure on the smallest of business owners.
“It’s just more paperwork,” she said. “I’ll have to invoice everything I do.
“They need to worry about other things other than that.”
Fujitani said the department is aware of the challenges of keeping track of sales for vendors who do fast-paced transactions.
She said the department recommends that they keep a tally sheet nearby so that each item sold can be easily marked.
If the bill is adopted, Fujitani said the department would still be focused on putting education before penalties. Warnings would be given first.
“Even with the warning, what they try to do is first visit and do education,” she said of inspectors.
“The second time around they may give a reminder.
“They do try to give everyone some benefit of the doubt first to make sure they are fully aware of the requirements.”
The state has three tax inspectors but is looking to fill another three vacant positions, Fujitani said.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.

Ilagan hosts ag talk story in Pahoa (March 22)

Ilagan hosts ag talk story in Pahoa (March 22)

Bring your ideas, concerns and questions for a talk story session with agriculture and industry experts at 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 22 at the Pahoa Community Center.
“Food is a basic necessity that many struggle to obtain. Cultivating sustainable farming and encouraging agricultural development is necessary for our community, our island, to not only survive, but to thrive,” District 4 Council Member Greggor Ilagan said.
The community discussion will include individuals from the Hawaii Papaya Association and the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Agriculture programs.
“We need to get boots on the ground to help people with all aspects of gardening and agriculture,” said Bruce Mathews, PhD, Interim Dean of UH-Hilo’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management (CAFNRM).
An overview of the UH Hilo Agriculture programs, workshops, education and possibly grant funds will be discussed.
“We want to get to know your [Puna’s] concerns and needs, and offer our assistance to farmers in vital agriculture sectors,” Mathews said.
A sign-up sheet for future vermicomposting workshops given by horticulturist, Dr. Norman Arancon, will also be available at the talk-story session.
For those interested in learning more about composting with the power of earthworms, e-mail Dr. Arancon at normanq@hawaii.edu.
“Everyone is invited. Whether you’re a home gardener, local business, farm expert or beginner, get your ideas and concerns heard,” Ilagan said.
For further information regarding, contact Ilagan at 965- 2712 or gilagan@hawaiicounty.gov.

FDA Produce Safety Rule

Today starts the first series of question and answer sessions with the FDA at 11 AM EST. Today’s topic will cover understanding exemptions to the proposed Produce Safety Rule. We ask that you keep your questions relevant to the topic.

Please review the attached document which may help you follow along with the discussion and help answer questions you may have about exclusions and/or exemptions to the proposed Produce Safety Rule.

The session will be recorded and available on the PSA website after the event.

The call-in information is below. No registration is necessary. All participants will be muted upon entry and able to ask questions via a moderated Q & A session. Please plan to be on the call 5 minutes prior to the start to ensure you are present for the introduction and instructions on how to ask questions.

Dial toll-free: 866-906-9888
Enter passcode: 8140591



What You Need to Know: Proposed Rule on Standards for Produce Safety Under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

Proposed Rule at a Glance

What is FDA doing?

FDA is issuing a proposed rule to establish science--based standards for growing, harvesting, packing and holding produce on domestic and foreign farms. The proposed rule is required by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

Who would be covered?

- The proposed rule would apply to farms that grow, harvest, pack or hold most fruits and vegetables when those fruits and vegetables are in their raw or natural (unprocessed) state.

- The proposed rule would not apply to certain produce: produce that is rarely consumed raw (such as potatoes), produce that will receive processing including a kill-step (with certain documentation), and produce for personal or on-farm consumption.

- The proposed rule would not apply (or would only partially apply) to certain farms.

See the attached Decision Tree for more information.

What would the proposed standards cover?

They would focus on commonly identified routes of microbial contamination of produce, including:

(1) agricultural water (2) farm worker hygiene (3) manure and other additions to the soil (4) animals in growing areas, and (5) equipment, tools and buildings. There are also specific proposed standards for sprouts.

When would the new requirements be effective?

If you are covered by the rule (see attached flowchart) you would have the following amount of time after the effective date (the effective date is 60 days after the FINAL rule is published in the Federal Register) to comply.

- Very small businesses, defined as having an average annual value of food sold during the previous three years of no more than $250,000, would have four years after the effective date to comply; for some water requirements, they would have six years.

- Small businesses, defined as having an average annual value of food sold during the previous three years of no more than $500,000, would have three years after the effective date to comply; for some of the water requirements, they would have five years.



- Other businesses would have to comply two years after the effective date. They would have four years to comply with some of the water requirements.

What if I need more information? Go to http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/ucm247546.htm