2012-07-31 NKCDP Agriculture Subcommittee Notes Minutes

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be made available to the public. Margaret Wi I le suggested that a list be made of the certified kitchens in the area and that the subcommittee find out whether they are open to the public and, if not, why not and what can be done at the community or county level to help make them available to the community. Wille suggested we put the word out to our Kupunas having citrus tree crops going to waste every season. Cipriani will notify the Seniors at the next meeting. Cipriani suggested the students could schedule the harvests with the Seniors when the crops are ready, and with the advent of NKHS's new certified kitchen, fresh-squeezed orange juice in the school cafeterias and for the Seniors, would be a good start for the citrus initiative. Soil Testing Issues (Old Business): Dr. Jana Bogs explained to the subcommittee her method of soil analysis and of adding nutrients to the soil that she calls "beyond organic." The fruits and vegetables grown in this soil are much more nutrient dense then conventionally grown organic crops. Cipriani stated that the soil in North Kohala is so depleted because of the years of growing sugar cane that it is important to increase the nutrient content of soil in order to grow quality crops. He proposed that the subcommittee make a list of farmers who would benefit from Jana Bogs' methods and provide them with information and resource. The subcommittee briefly discussed the issue of water. David Rotstein of Lone Palm Farm stated that, if the county is serious about promoting agriculture on the Big Island, water needs to be made available to farmers at an affordable price. David also spoke of a project for 'Shared gardening equipment' to help seniors and landowners start gardens. New Business: High School Aquaponics Program: Finally the subcommittee discussed the costs and the educational and practical benefits of the high school aquaponics programs and how it could be used to have students provide fresh greens and veggies and fruits for the schools' cafeterias. Cipriani, in collaboration with David Stark at Ohana Mala Aquaponics farm has designed a pilot-model system for the High School, utilizing the existing stock-tanks on-site, with minimal costs for PVC plumbing and fixtures to get the system up and running, with the labor being provided by the students. He felt the money and materials should be raised by the students because that would encourage student and community involvement. Planning with Adriel Robataille,Ag teacher at NKHS is ongoing. We're seeking sponsor-support for the Program and grant assistance from the USDA Farm to School Program. NKCDP Agriculture Subcommittee meetings are held the last Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm at the Intergenerational Center. Anyone who is seriously interested in promoting agriculture in North Kohala is urged to attend and contribute. There being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 7:30pm.