http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/22/big-risks-for-uninsured-farmers/
Interesting article from The New York Times regarding Big Risks for Uninsured Farmers.
Showing posts with label financial risk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label financial risk. Show all posts
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Farm Recordkeeping Workshop for Hilo Growers
Dr. Stuart T. Nakamoto Extension Economist, UHM CTAHR
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Komohana Extension Office Conference Room
Free but phone 887-6183 to save a seat. Participants who preregister receive a free record keeping workbook.
It seems producers always need records for something; to get a loan, or for taxes, or because the law requires it for spraying chemicals, or to be “organic”. Good records are a prerequisite for crop insurance & disaster assistance and to help make better decisions in growing crops & for running your farm as a business.
This workshop is for you if you want to get started with recordkeeping you want to learn how to organize all those receipts and papers and notes you already have a system, but maybe can learn something extra to help your farm. Participants will receive a binder of recordkeeping forms. You will learn how to use those forms in your own recordkeeping system.
Growers who preregister receive a free recordkeeping workbook. Courtesy of the USDA Risk Management Agency and the Risk Managent-Hawaii and LIFE programs at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.
To sign up or for more information: call Didi at 887-6183 or email <mddiaz@hawaii.edu> or your extension agent Andrea at 322-4894 or email andreak@hawaii.edu. DEADLINE: 4:30PMONFRIDAY(5/25/2012).
Open to everyone without regard to race, age, 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 Didi at (808) 887-6183 seven days before the activity/event.
Sponsors: Risk Management Hawaii Local & Immigrant Farmer Education University of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Risk Management Agency
More Tax Sessions with Da Tax Man
Two Upcoming Workshops Lessons from Da Tax Man
Keaau Community Center
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Lessons from Da Tax Man
Kona Extension Office Conference Room
Thursday, May 17, 2012
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
One of the biggest challenges faced by people in business is understanding and meeting tax filing requirements. The financial consequences of failure to comply with tax filing requirements can jeopardize your business. These workshops will cover basic and advanced tax issues facing small business and farmers in Hawaii.
Michael Holl, a kama’aina resident of Hawaii since 1959 who grew up on the Waianae coast of Oahu, is a federally licensed Enrolled Agent (EA) representing taxpayers before the IRS. Mr. Holl is a the cadre speaker for the IRS in Hawaii and speaks at numerous seminars and workshops on small business taxes.
For more information, please contact Maria Derval ‘Didi’ Diaz-Lyke Junior Extension Agent Kamuela Extension Office 808-887-6183
Sponsors: Local & Immigrant Farmer Education Hawaii Risk Management Agency University of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Risk Management Hawaii. The Local and Immigrant Farmer Education (LIFE) Program is a grant funded collaborative project between the UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH-CTAHR), UH CTAHR Risk Management program and the USDA, Risk Management Agency.
Open to everyone without regards to race, age, 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 Didi at 887-6183 seven days before the training, activity, or event.
Waianae Growers' Emergency Listening Session
Understanding the educational needs of Waianae basil producers
May 17, 2012, 1:00 pm
New No. One Chinese Restaurant
86-003 Farrington Highway
Waianae, Oahu
Year-round crop production in Hawaii increases the risk of damage from weeds, insects and diseases with constant pest pressure. Limited knowledge to identify pests, apply proper risk management tools against specific pests and inability to read pesticide labels are the most common situation, leading to unsafe practices among immigrant growers (Rattanasamay, 1999; Swift and Brennan, 2003).
The risks of pesticide misuse are major health and safety concerns for the growers with limited language proficiency, their families, as well as consumers. Use of pesticides by unskilled applicators poses public health risks of chemical residue in produce and the environment. In October 2011, immigrant farmers in Waianae were cited for misuse of pesticides on green onions. Eight hundred pounds of green onions were destroyed.
In April 2012, growers with local and export markets of basil were asked to ceases all sales due to detection of two illegal pesticides. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture, conducted follow-up testing and collected 10 basil samples from 5 different produce distributors on O‘ahu and found that 7 out of 10 samples were positive for the presence of one or more pesticides that are not approved for use on basil. Per the HDOA, laboratory testing of basil samples taken directly from six O‘ahu farms indicated that four basil farms were positive for at least one pesticide that is not approved for application on basil. All contaminated crops have been restricted from sale and distribution.
LIFE, RMH and CTAHR Food Safety program held an emergency educational session with ‘at risk’ farmers in the Waianae area of Oahu, to determine the cause of the problem and possible solutions to address their immediate and long term educational needs. A list of priority issues will be drafted and shared with program partners: CTAHR IR4 Minor Crop Program, CTAHR Food Safety Program, Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Health with the intent to develop educational programs to help growers in understanding pesticides regulations and the importance of proper use of pesticides.
Chinese speaking translators were available to translate questions and capture growers' responses regarding the challenges of farming and applying pesticides in accordance with federal and state regulations in Hawaii.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
IYSV Field Demo and Best Management Overview
LIFE and RMH held an educational workshop on Iris Yellow Spot Virus (IYSV) in Waianae on May 4, 2012 at Katsu Kobashigawa's farm. Dr. John Hu and Dr. Wayne Borth started off the workshop by talking about the pathogen, IYSV. Maui Extension Agent, Robin Shimabuku provided an overview about the insecticide trials conducted in conjuction with emeritus Extension specialist, Dr. Ronald Mau. Extension agent Jari Sugano provided an overview of IYSV best management practices (included insect vector identification, field scouting, cultural practices, insecticide resistance management, pesticide education, etc.) and shared an additional tool in managing IYSV, USDA crop insurance programs. CTAHR pesticide specialists, Dr. Mike Kawate, Charlie Nagamine, and Cathy Tarutani were present to answer grower's questions regarding pesticide use, as well as Daisuke Inoyama and Steven Ogata from HDOA. CTAHR entomologists, Drs. Koon Hui Wang and Helen Spafford along with Dr. Ted Radovich and Jensen Uyeda from the CTAHR Sustainable and Organic Agriculture program were also there to support the group's educational efforts and provide technical assistance to growers with questions. Representatives from agricultual chemical companies such as BEI, Pacific Agricultural and CPS Hawaii were also in attendance. Extension agent Steve Fukuda (semi retired), Shimabuku, and Kawate organized a demonstration using kaolin clay to show how changes in spray variables affect overall coverage.
Dr. John Hu provides overview of IYSV in English and Chinese
Dr. Wayne Borth discussed the different techniques used to identify the disease
Extension agent Robin Shimabuku shared advances based on Maui's insecticide trials.
Extension agents, Robin Shimabuku and Steve Fukuda utilized kaolin clay to demonstrate the role of spray coverage in onion thrip management
Changes in spray variables (such as nozzles, PSI, speed, etc) affect spray coverage
Growers were able to see first hand IYSV symptoms in a field setting
Green onions sprayed with kaolin clay for demonstration purposes
Kaolin clay allowed growers to see where the spray was deposited. In previous CTAHR spray demonstrations, a fluorescent dye was used with a black light system.
Weed management is important as weeds such as pig weed serves as a host for IYSV
Special thanks to Katsu Kobashigawa and Lisa Salazar for hosting the LIFE/ RMH educational event.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Monday, April 30, 2012
Grower Inspired Aquaponics Field Day and Risk Management Update
LIFE and RMH would like to thank Mr. Ramiscal and Mr. Saguibo, Wailua grower cooperators, for allowing us to hold an educational workshop and field day on their property. Over 40 participants learned about the LIFE and Risk Management programs offered via UH CTAHR and the USDA Risk Management Agency. Special thanks to Steve Fukuda for working with the grower cooperators in organizing the demonstration.
Dr. Clyde Tamaru provided a sound foundation on aquaculture, hydroponics
& aquaponics based on Hawaii generated research based information
Jason Shitanishi of the USDA FSA covered the USDA FSA Disaster and Transporation Reimbursement Programs. Mr. Shitanishi explained the USDA transportation reimbursement program can assist growers in getting back approximately 5% of crop inputs expenses such as fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, etc.
TJ Nii shared information about the various USDA farm loans available
Daryl Arai elaborated on the ag loans available through HDOA
Both speakers provided information on government supported financial loan programs that could be explored to help fund new and existing agricultural related ventures, like aquaponics. Growers were advised by LIFE and RMH to talk with loan officers about the best package and rates for their respective businesses.
Jensen Uyeda of the Sustainable and Organic Program talked about the role of vermicompost in seedling media and worms in the grow bed systems.
Participants learned from the cooperators the growing pains and opportunities in starting a aquaponics system in Hawaii
4H Agent, Rose Saito explained to growers about worm habitat while Agent Jari Sugano showed growers how to minimize food safety risk when harvesting
Dr. Clyde Tamaru showcased the two growing system designs (cinder vs floating beds), the bell siphon-ebb and flow water system and talked about the new disease affecting talapia.
Growers were able to see blue and red talapia and the Chinese catsish species.
Growers learned to section off talapia offsprings to minimize losses
Special mahalo to Dr. Clyde Tamaru, Jason Shitanishi, TJ Nii, Daryl Arai, Jensen Uyeda for 'showing' growers ways to take on new agribusiness ventures through management of ag risk.
Crop Insurance 101
In this video, aptly titled "Crop Insurance 101," Tom Zacharias, president of NCIS, reviews the history of the program, why it was created, and why Congress should "do no harm" to it in the upcoming Farm Bill.
Before crop insurance existed, Zacharias explains, disaster would strike and farmers would be forced to go to Congress for help. Congress would then have to pass disaster legislation and appropriate funds, which would then be passed on to the USDA where a program would be put in place to finally, pay the farmers whose crop had been destroyed.
But this whole process would take anywhere from one to three years, Zacharias explained, burdening not only the farmers who waited for the money to start planting again, but the taxpayers who had to pick up the pieces.
And so, the public-private crop insurance program was born.
Today, farmers purchase crop insurance and, when disaster strikes, private insurance companies pay out indemnities within 30 days.
In 2011, Zacharias said, crop insurance companies had 265 million acres insured, 1.15 million policies issued and more than 125 different crops covered-resulting in $114 billion worth of protection for U.S. farmers.
This program allowed farmers who, in 2011 for example, sustained one of the worst weather years in history to bounce back and plant again this spring- receiving $10.4 billion in indemnities in 2011 alone.
"Crop insurance is at the forefront of modern-day farm policy," Zacharias said in a statement released with the video. "For the vast majority of Americans who have very little to do with agriculture, this video could be their introduction to crop insurance."
Friday, April 27, 2012
Organic Initiative Applications
News from U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service
300 Ala Moana Blvd., #4-118, Honolulu, HI 96850
June 1st Deadline for Organic Initiative Applications
HONOLULU, April 27, 2012 - Are you a farmer thinking about transitioning to organics? USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) reminds potential applicants to contact their local NRCS office soon to find out if they are eligible for funding through the agency's Organic Initiative. Applications for the final ranking period of 2012 are due at NRCS offices by close of business on June 1, 2012.
"With the increased interest in sustainable agriculture, this funding opportunity is a fine time for farmers interested in organics," said Kathleen Dobler, Acting Director for NRCS in the Pacific Islands Area.
The top five Organic Initiative conservation practices are cover crops, nutrient and pest management, seasonal high tunnels, crop rotation, and fencing. Since 2010, we have helped 15 farmers with certified organic and organic transition technical and financial assistance. From 2011, we have one completed certified organic contract for eleven acres on Kauai for $9,739 and three organic transition contracts for thirty acres in Hawaii and Maui Counties for $26,598.
Learn more about the Organic Initiative within the Pacific Islands Area at http://www.pia.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/organic_initiative_program.html and find out about other NRCS initiatives and programs at http://www.pia.nrcs.usda.gov.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex (including gender identity and expression), marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, political beliefs, genetic information, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Webinars on Farm Tax Issues
Three webinars on farm tax issues provided by Rural Tax
Education (RuralTax.org).
These webinars are for extension
educators, farmers and ranchers, and accountants working with farmers and
ranchers. In making decisions it is important to understand what options
are available and possible tax consequences. Information about each
webinar is below and on the flyer attached.
When: April 23, 2012.
Introduction to Income and Self
Employment Tax Issues for Farmers and Ranchers
presented by Ruby Ward, Utah State
University Extension
2 p.m. EDT (12 p.m. MDT) To
view this webinar click HERE or visit https://connect.usu.edu/fiip1/
Tax Issues for Selling and
Repurchasing Livestock due to Weather Conditions
Presented by JC Hobbs, Oklahoma
State University Extension
3 p.m. EDT (1 p.m. MDT) To view this
webinar click HERE or
visit https://connect.usu.edu/fliip2/
Tax Treatment of Government
Payments: Federal and State
Presented by Guido van der Hoeven,
North Carolina State University Extension
4 p.m. EDT (2 p.m. MDT) To view this
webinar click HERE or
visit https://connect.usu.edu/fliip3/
If
you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting before:
Test
your connection: https://connect.usu.edu/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm
Visit RuralTax.org for more
information. All three webinars will be recorded and available for later
viewing.
These webinars are made possible
through a grant from USDA-Risk Management Agency and Utah State University
Extension.
Utah State University is an
affirmative action/equal opportunity institution.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Coffee Pruning Field Day
Kona UH CTAHR Research Center
9:00 am - 11:00 am
How can I manage CBB on my farm? Come and join us for a coffee pruning demonstration by Gary Strawn. He is a dedicated Kona coffee farmer who has provided over a dozen workshops on CBB and pruning. Gary will cover the basic concepts of pruning, discuss the pros and cons of both traditional and Beaumont-Fukunaga systems, as well as provide a demonstration of each style. CTAHR Extension Agent, Andrea Kawabata, will cover the basics of CBB, its life cycle and how to manage CBB in the field. Learn how to manage production and financial ($$) risk to minimize crop losses and increase profits.
Directions:
The Research Station is across of Aloha Theatre and above the school buses in Kainaliu. Parking is available across the street, at the Extension Office, or past the fencing at the station.
Maui Onion Field Day
Place: Kula Ag Research Center
Time: 3-4 PM
Dr. Ron Mau, CTAHR Extension Specialist Emeritus, and Robin Shimabuku, County Extension Agent, of the University of Hawaii, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources will be conducting a field day to showcase insecticide spray rotations for the control of Onion thrips on Maui bulb onions. Minimize your production risks by understanding how to combat this important pest. Come participate in the development of a Maui onion insecticide resistance management program by utilizing research based information generated from field evaluations. Also, learn about different crop insurance and government programs available to help Hawaii's ’producers minimize financial ($$) risk.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Risk Mangement School: Oahu
Hawaii Okinawan Center, Legacy Ballroom
94-587 Ukee Street
Waipahu, Hawaii 96797
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
9 am -4:30 pm
Registration & trade show set up starts at 8am
Understanding Risk Issues for Oahu Produce
Understand and mitigate agriculture risk- UH CTAHR
Prepare for the 5 D’s-UH CTAHR
High Risk Areas for Oahu’s producers
Availability of agricultural lands- HDOA
Update on Good Agricultural Practices and Regulations-UH CTAHR
Employees? Worker Protection Standards Issues -HDOA
Liability requirements as vendors at Farmer’s Markets-HFB
Medical programs offered through the Hawaii Farm Bureau-HFB
Agricultural Theft and Vandalism-C/C Prosecuting Attorney
Alternatives to high cost of fertilizers, crop inputs, etc-UH CTAHR
Disaster preparedness-USDA FSA and Civil Defense (tentative)
Conservation plans to minimize environmental risk- Oahu RC&D
Rising cost of water-C/C Board of Water Supply
Trade show with agricultural chemical companies, heath care/ insurance carriers, crop insurance agents, agricultural government agencies (FSA/NRCS), and various CTAHR extension programs (Aquaponics & Hydroponics, Ag Incubator, Sustainable and Organic Agriculture, Bee program, etc)
Registration is FREE. RSVP is required by January 23, 2012. Please call Lynn at 622-4185 to reserve your seat. Lunch will be provided by UH CTAHR.
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