Specialty Farmer Business Training Workshop, Dec. 1

Landowners growing or wanting to grow Christmas trees and other specialty crops are invited to attend the upcoming Specialty Farmer Business Training Workshop set for Friday, Dec.1, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Landowners growing or wanting to grow Christmas trees and other specialty crops are invited to attend the upcoming Specialty Farmer Business Training Workshop set for Friday, Dec.1, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The workshop is part of the ongoing ‘Āina Mauna Christmas Tree Demonstration Project; agenda topics will be applicable to those interested in growing or selling Christmas trees as well as other agricultural crops.

The workshop is free of charge to interested farmers, community members and others but seating is limited.

Speakers include Aileen Yeh, Hawai‘i Agriculture Research Center (HARC), who will provide an update on the Humu‘ula Douglas fir plantings, and a presentation on the next phase of the Christmas tree efforts; Sharon K. Hurd, Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) Market Development Branch; Diane L. Ley and Glenn Sako, County of Hawai‘i Department of Research & Development; John McHugh, Ph.D. HDOA Plant Nursery Administrator; Lance C. Sakaino, HDOA Plant Quarantine Specialist; and Judi Mellon, Hawai‘i Small Business Development Center.

The ‘Āina Mauna Christmas Tree Demonstration Project involves importing and propagating seed and outplanting fir seedlings on Hawai‘i Island. The project’s goal is to show that Douglas fir is suitable for Hawai‘i production and to establish protocols and methods to create top quality Christmas trees that can compete with the imported trees in our local markets.

Providing Hawai‘i with locally-grown Christmas trees will support import replacement and promote the “Buy Local, It Matters” message.

Specialty Farmer Workshop funders are the State of Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and USDA Department of Agriculture. Other partners include Hawai‘i Forest Institute, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, HARC, DLNR Division of Forestry & Wildlife, County of Hawai‘i Department of Research & Development, College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources, Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, and Hawaii Invasive Species Council.

To reserve your seat, RSVP to hfia@hawaiiforest.org by Nov. 24.

For more information, contact HFIA Executive Director Heather Simmons at (808) 933-9411 or email heather.hfia@hawaiiforest.org.

About Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association

Established in 1989, Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association (HFIA) is a nonprofit corporation founded by and for people committed to managing healthy and productive forests. As Hawaii’s recognized forest industry trade association, HFIA, through education, planning, information exchange and advocacy, encourages the responsible growth of Hawaii’s forest industry. HFIA programs promote healthier forests, increased business and more jobs within the forestry sector.

HFIA has a diverse membership of over 250 individuals, and public and private corporations including woodworkers, landowners, sawyers, foresters, growers, environmentalists, government officials and others interested in the organization’s goals and mission. HFIA promotes a balance of forest land uses ranging from protecting and restoring native forests to managing commercial use tree farms.