Why Organic?
Where does our food come from? How was that food grown?
Most of what we eat, whether organic or non-organic, travels thousands of miles to get to our plate.
At the feet of our kupuna (elders), we remember the lo`i kalo (taro patches) and the backyard gardens that fed us. These gardens were organic and the fundamental value was—and is today—aloha ‘aina. We were nourished from these gardens, they sustained our communities, and are at the ‘root’ of our understanding of organic.
Embracing the traditions of the kanaka mahi‘ai (farmer), MA`O works within nature, respects biological diversity, and uses a combination of traditional wisdom and modern techniques to build upon the existing richness of our Lualualei vertisol soils.
Between 1999 and 2001 we started researching the organic agriculture industry. Sadly, much of what had been written in recent community plans suggested that Wai`anae’s soils were marginal at best, and not conducive to increased agriculture. However, conversations with old-time farmers, backed up by academic research on soils, showed the unique richness of the Lualualei vertisol soils. Further research also revealed a massive void in local organic production and a growing desire for local consumers and restaurants to use locally-grown organic foods. All this meant there was an opportunity to create meaningful work, employment and leadership opportunities for young people of the Wai‘anae coast working the land.
In 2002, MA’O began composting locally sourced animal manures and incorporating them into the soil. We planted leguminous cover crops like sunn hemp that fixed nitrogen and increased organic matter. We started raising vegetables on 5-acres of leased lands according to strict organic principles as spelled out in the USDA’s National Organic Program. Beyond meeting the minimum requirements of using no chemicals—which is simply avoiding a negative—we create a positive: soils, plants, people and a biologically diverse environment bristling with health and vitality! In 2003, we were certified organic by the Hawai`i Organic Farmer’s Association.
Today, there are still less then ten organic farms on the island of O‘ahu, representing less than 50-acres. MA‘O is currently the largest with 16.5 acres of certified organic lands.
Good food, good land, and good relationships. MA`O works to cultivate a renewed relationship with our land and food that transforms the current industrialized model of agriculture into one that returns us to aloha ‘aina.
If you’re interested in farming organically some great sources of information are listed below:
Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
Hawaii Organic Farmers Association
Dr. Jonathan Deenik’s Soil Primer
Healthy food and vibrant youth!
Steer manure compost amends soil.
Mulch suppresses weeds & conserves water.
Cover crops fixes nitrogen.
