$263,300 Secured to Help Farmers and Unemployed Families

Since the onset of COVID-19, Maui County Farm Bureau has been working hard to ensure that our members are supported, and that Maui’s ag industry remains viable. When the hotels and restaurants were closed and the visitors left, our farmers were left with thousands of pounds of produce in the fields with no place to sell them. Years of marketing work, building relationships with chefs and developing the Farm to Table movement that had yielded such success for our farms, vanished.

The MCFB board of directors along with Hawaii Farm Bureau sprang into action to assist. Through grants from the County of Maui and other sources, MCFB has secured to date over $263,000 to purchase produce and is in its 10th week of providing produce from Maui farms to the County of Maui, Feed My Sheep, Maui Food Bank, and the Salvation Army to distribute to families in need.

“I want to thank the farmers and everyone who have stepped up to make our food distribution program such a great success,” Mayor Victorino said. “It’s been humbling and encouraging to see our community come together in a time of such great need.”

“When the produce market crashed, this program came to our rescue by providing a bridge of revenue and sales allowing me to have time to pursue other markets. I was able to keep my workers on and didn’t have to plow up the produce in the fields. I am grateful to MCFB for securing the funding and providing the orders for us farmers.” Bryan Otani, Otani Farms.

VIP Food Service to The Rescue
VIP Food Service/Island Grocery owner Nelson Okamura, Managers Ty Higa, Koa Brown, and all of the VIP employees supported the success of the program. They allowed MCFB to use their refrigeration to stage the distribution and their employees packed the individual food bags. Mahalo to VIP for this tremendous donation in helping farmers and families in need.

Ulupono Provides a Donation Challenge to Buy Produce
A recent investment was initiated by the Oʻahu-based nonprofit organization, Ulupono. A repeat sponsor of MCFB’s annual Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair, Ulupono is a staunch supporter of a viable local food system for the state. Ulupono said it would donate $20,000 if the County of Maui could match it. Upon hearing this the County offered an additional $80,000. Mahalo to Ulupono and the County of Maui.

Mahalo to Hyatt Hotels and Wailea Beach Resort, Marriott
Hyatt Hotels and Wailea Beach Marriott placed a significant order of produce boxes which were provided to their furloughed employees.

Hyatt and three of its Maui resorts provided a food relief program for 1,500 employees. Mahalo Michael Pye and Tylun Pang, Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui; Mike Jokovich, Andaz, Maui at Wailea; and Fred Finlen, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa for their unwavering support of Maui agriculture.

Wailea Beach Resort, Marriott ordered and distributed, on two separate occasions, boxes of fresh produce and locally made products to their 400 employees. Mahalo to Angela Vento and Eric Capdevielle for thinking of our Maui farmers while taking care of Marriott employees.

Hawaii Agriculture Foundation: A Major Supporter of MCFB
Hawaii Agricultural Foundation has ordered produce boxes for an upcoming event. In addition, HAF has designated the MCFB as a beneficiary of the annual Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival. Mahalo Denise Yamaguchi and Poni Askew for the continuous support for Maui County Farm Bureau in so many ways.

Eligibility for the Farm Produce Purchase Program required that farms had sold at least an average of $2,500 per month in produce prior to March 2020 (not limited to MCFB members), could assure supply and delivery, and filled out the participation application.

Heidi Watanabe, Watanabe Vegetable Processing, was hired by the MCFB to purchase all the produce and track the sales. Heidi is a rock-star produce buyer. Mahalo to Heidi and the entire Watanabe family.

Mahalo to all who have made this program a great success in this time of crisis.

Providing Mahalo With Flowers
Maui flower growers also lost their markets with the cancellation of events, weddings, funerals, and graduations. The board pledged to use $10,000 in unrestricted funds to launch a program to support MCFB’s flower grower members. The program purchased flower bunches from growers, then distributed bouquets to employees working at Maui’s grocery stores. In total 1,000 bunches of flowers were distributed.

During the month of May, MCFB distributed flowers to employees at eleven stores: Pukalani Superette, Foodland Pukalani, Hanzawa’s, Haiku Grocery Store, Island Grocery, Whole Foods, Morihara Store, Safeway Kahului, Safeway Maui Lani, Mana Foods, and Foodland Kehalani. The bouquet deliveries wrapped up with special deliveries to The Maui News office thanking them for keeping everyone informed during the COVID-19 lockdown, and County of Maui Office of Economic Development who assists MCFB with its annual county grant.

“The idea to give the flowers to workers ‘blossomed’ from our desire to demonstrate the benefits of fresh flowers,” said Teena Rasmussen, MCFB Board President. “Studies show that fresh flowers help reduce stress and bring joy and happiness. We wanted the clerks and front-line employees to know how important they are and that we care about them.”

Part of our Mission
By creating programs and relief funds, by raising awareness and networking, Maui County Farm Bureau will never stop working for its members to help them through tough times and to get our products to those in need. Our members can provide so much to our island community: food, flowers, plants, whatever is needed. Working together, we will uphold Maui’s ag industry and save our local farms and ranches.

We know that many of our members have been very generous in donating in big and small ways. For example, we know Mahi Pono donated two varieties of potatoes, Maui Best, Inc. donated sweet potatoes, Kula Country Farm donated strawberries, Pacific Produce, Inc. donated a variety of lettuces, Haleakala Ranch donated three cows totaling more than 1,500 pounds of beef, and Surfing Goat Dairy donated 850 pounds of cheese and 2,408 pieces of soft cheeses.

Farmers and Ranchers: Please email Charlene [at] KauhaneInc.com and let her know about your donations.

Aloha Kākou,

As you can see, during these difficult times, Maui County Farm Bureau is taking a leadership role to ensure that all our member farms are supported. We know that keeping Maui agriculture strong is vital to the well-being of our island, our community, and our farming families.

As soon as the COVID-19 shut-downs were announced, MCFB went into action to get essential programs in place to keep our products moving throughout Maui County.

What have we learned over the past weeks: 
• Locally grown food is more important than ever. 
• A strong distribution system, especially with retail markets, is essential to our survival. 
• Our strong partnerships within the community enabled us to move quickly. 
• As an organization, we can and must problem-solve on behalf of our members. 

We’re proud of our continuing work collaborating with agricultural agencies, County of Maui and Hawai‘i Farm Bureau to organize programs that benefit not only MCFB members but all of Maui’s ag industry. 

One more thing we learned during this crisis: communication is key. MCFB is ramping up communications with members. Going forward, look for this monthly e-newsletter, consistent social media with member photos and events; and a revamped web site featuring news and current info that’s user-friendly and compatible with your mobile device. 

Our goal is your goal: We want you to be successful. We want the community to know about our farmers. Our hope is that you will continue to believe in MCFB and find value in our work. We hope that others in the community will increasingly recognize the benefits of our solution oriented organization, and the importance of supporting agriculture on Maui. 

As we go forward together in this challenging period, we wish the best for you and your families health and strength.

Mahalo for all you do for our agricultural community.

Warren K. Watanabe
Executive Director

 

Board of Directors’ Spotlight: Teena Rasmussen, President

From establishing the state’s largest lei flower farm, to serving as Director of the Office of Economic Development (OED) for the County of Maui, there’s not a lot that MCFB’s new Board President hasn’t done during her 40-plus years on Maui. 

Last year, Teena Rasmussen co-founded Skog Rasmussen LLC together with Jeanne Skog, helping businesses to overcome economic development challenges. Prior to that, Teena served OED for eight years, during which time she oversaw an $80-million portfolio of economic development grants, and accomplished projects in agriculture, tourism, energy and film, as well as workforce and business development. 

Teena knows a thing or two about floriculture. She and her husband Craig founded Paradise Flower Farms, Inc., in 1979, and expanded it over 35 years to span 50 acres, employing more than 30 people. They shipped fresh flower lei throughout Hawai‘i, the mainland U.S. and Canada before selling the business in 2015. Teena was inducted into the American Academy of Floriculture for Lifetime Achievement in 2008. 

She was appointed twice by the federal Secretary of Agriculture to the Farm Service Agency State Committee and is presently serving as chair. She served as a member of the Agribusiness Development Corporation for the State of Hawai‘i for five years and as its chair from 2005-2006. She has been a long-time member of the Maui County Farm Bureau, the Hawai‘i Tropical Flower Council, and the Hawai‘i Floral and Nursery Association, as well as a 40-year member of the Maui Chamber of Commerce, which she served as chair for two years. 

Despite her busy schedule, Teena has always generously given her time to nonprofits and education-based institutions, as well as dedicated her expertise to business and industry advocacy. Her service to the Tri-Agency Board of Aloha House, Maui Youth and Family Services, and Malama Family Recovery spanned 10 years through 2017, and she chaired their signature fundraiser “Growing Dreams” for seven years. 

Teena’s passion for Maui’s agricultural community runs deep in her understanding of all sectors of industry in Hawai‘i’s economy. In her new position as board president, she looks forward to connecting the community to our farmers and shining a light on the importance of helping agriculture be a viable sector of our economy.

 

The greens are grown using the Nutrient Film Technique and are harvested three times a week for maximum freshness and availability. Pre-rinsing and field packaging reduces handling damage and provides a clean and fresh product, which is then vacuum-cooled before delivery.

The mission of Pacific Produce has always been to provide consistency and quality products while conserving land and water resources. One of the first farms in Hawai‘i to be food safety-certified using GAP (good agricultural practices), the company provides permanent, full-time employment for 18 workers. Geoff and Paul are regular participants in MCFB’s AgFest, and they partner with King Kekaulike High School’s Ag Program to support youth in our community.

Look for Waipoli greens at retail outlets and restaurants across Maui and statewide—and maybe in your next burger.

 

MCFB understands your farm business has suffered since COVID-19. As you know federal, state and county governments and agricultural agencies have created programs to assist farmers and ranchers during these challenging times.

Listed here are the programs we know of to date. They are not in any particular order. Please browse the list and click onto the programs to learn more. We know it takes time, please call upon us if you would like some assistance. MCFB will be in touch as we work on additional membership programs.

In terms of a reference with all of COVID USDA programs side by side this might be a helpful resource: https://rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/USDA_COVID-19_Fed_Rural_Resource_Guide.pdf

Farmers Resources specific program FAQs info https://www.usda.gov/coronavirus/farmer-resources#cfap

COVID-19 Resources for Hawaii https://cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/ER/COVID-19

The Hawaii Agricultural Foundation has a website to help all agricultural producers and providers reach customers during these difficult times. Flower and nursery growers – this applies to you also. Visit  https://foodagogo.org. Producers who want their info added to the site should submit their information under the farms and local producers tab.

On June 8, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act was signed into law, providing small businesses with more time and more flexibility to use their Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. The new law:

• Increases the amount that can be used on rent, utilities, and other overhead costs from 25 percent to 40 percent; and it lowers the amount that must be used on payroll costs from 75 percent to 60 percent;
• Extends the period of time that small businesses can use their loan from 8 weeks to 24 weeks and extends the entire program to December 31, 2020;
• Allows small businesses to receive loan forgiveness even if they had trouble rehiring employees or if they have not been able to return to a full operating status; 
• Allows small businesses to repay any amount that is not forgiven over five years, instead of just two years; and
• Allows small businesses with PPP loans to defer their payroll taxes as provided in the CARES Act.

The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses – including restaurants, hotels, and non-profits – with zero-fee loans of up to $10 million to cover payroll and other operating expenses.  For more information on the PPP, visit www.schatz.senate.gov/coronavirus/small-businesses/sba-paycheck-protection-loan-program

Seeking Coffee for Sale for USDA COVID-19 has caused coffee sales to slow or halt for many businesses. SHAC has been in conversation with USDA to facilitate purchases of Hawaiian-grown products for government use. If you have roasted coffee that you would like to make eligible for USDA purchase, contact  suzanne@shachawaii.org. Include the total quantity you would like to make available, and the requested price. Also include the format (bag, pods, commercial packs). All information will be kept confidential.

Equipment Grant Program (EGP)
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Closes 6/23/2020
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=326675

Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’s Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2020
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Closes 6/29/2020
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=326614

 

 

Meet Chef Jennifer Nguyen
Recognized as an official supporter of local agriculture with the “2018 Friend of Agriculture Award” by the Maui County Farm Bureau, Jennifer is a familiar face amongst local farmers and farmers markets.

She also maintains her own farm where she grows papaya, eggplant, lemongrass, basil and other herbs. A Saigon Café’s reputation for fresh authentic Vietnamese cuisine and friendly service is second to none. [Read More]

 

Localicious Green Papaya Salad
Recipe by Chef Jennifer Nguyen, Owner of A Saigon Café in Wailuku.

Ingredients (Serves 4):
1 green papaya (about 2 lbs), peeled and shredded
3-5 tablespoons tamarind paste
1/4 cup hot water
1/2 cup finely minced cinnamon basil
1/3 cup sweet and sour garlic sauce (see below)
chopped peanuts for garnish
1/2 lb Cooked jumbo shrimp (deveined and butterflied) or fried tofu sliced

Instructions:
Mix tamarind paste with hot water and strain through a fine strainer. In a large mixing bowl, mix strained tamarind paste, papaya and basil. Toss with sweet and sour garlic sauce. Put salad on a serving platter; garnish with peanuts and shrimp.

Sweet and Sour Garlic Sauce
Ingredients:
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 red Hawaiian Chili Peppers, minced
1/2 cup sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice or white vinegar
1/4 cup hot water
1/2 cup coconut juice
3-5 tablespoons tamarind paste*
1/4 cup fish sauce or less*
1/2 carrot and/or daikon (white radish), finely shredded, for garnish

Instructions:
In a mortar, pound the garlic, chili pepper and sugar together. Transfer the ground ingredients to a bowl and add the hot water, lemon juice and coconut juice. Add the tamarind paste and fish sauce a little at a time to taste. Add carrots and daikon just before serving. Makes about 1 cup. *These ingredients should be added a little at a time. Adjust according to your preference. Enjoy.

If you would like to become a member of the Maui County Farm Bureau, please follow the link:
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Agriculture is rewarding, vital, and exemplary part of the economy and lifestyle of Maui County. Agriculture safeguards Maui’s beauty, provides daily food, offers promise to our youth, and honors our heritage.

Our mission is to represent, protect, and advance the social, economic, and educational interests of the agricultural community of Maui County.