Basil Pest Identification and Safe/Proper Use of Pesticides.

Basil Risk Management Mini School Series #2

September 7, 2012
7:30 PM
Urban Garden Center, Oahu
955 Kamehameha Highway
 

Improper use of crop protection chemicals poses public health risks due to chemical residue in produce and the environment. In October 2011, immigrant farmers in Waianae were cited for misuse of pesticides on green onions.  In April 2012, farmers with local and export markets of basil were asked to ceases all sales due to detection of illegal pesticides. LIFE, RMH, CTAHR IR4 Minor Crop Program, CTAHR Food Safety Program, Basil SWAT Team, Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Health are teaming up to conduct an educational session with ‘at risk’ farmers to address crop production, pest control and pesticide application priorities brought forth in a needs assessment conducted in May 2012.

The workshop will include:

-Presentation on the safe use of pesticides

-Presentation and hard copy review of basil pests in Hawaii.

- Best management practices of the top 3 basil pests (English & Madarin)

- Discuss “Pesticides Registered for Use on Basil in Hawaii”

-Hawaii Department of Agriculture pesticide inspection process & DOH’s commodity sampling program

- Solicit ideas on how best to continue servicing and partnering with basil farmers

-Buy in and a ‘good faith’ commitment by basil farmers to participate in future educational workshops and activities.

 

 DIRECTIONS:

1. From Kamehameha Highway in Pearl City, turn into Home Depot parking lot (across from Acacia Rd).

2. Enter through the gate adjacent to the “Public Storage Building” on the Diamond Head (East) end of the Home Depot parking lot.

3. Visit the Main Office for information and directions.

Open to everyone without regard to race, age religion, sex, color or disability. Educational activities are accessible for individuals with disabilities. For information or to request an auxiliary aid or service (e.g., sign language interpreter, designated parking, or materials in alternate format), contact Lynn at 622-4185 seven days before the training, activity, or event.

This workshop will be conducted and sponsored by the College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources, Local & Immigrant Farmer Education (LIFE) Program, USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA), and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture Pesticide Branch.