Categorized | Agriculture

Southwest, Pacific conservation districts to meet in Kona

MEDIA RELEASE
 
Agricultural producers and conservation professionals from Hawaii, 12 states, and the Pacific Island Territories will attend the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) 2010 Southwest and Pacific Regions’ annual conference Sept. 22–24 at the Sheraton Keauhou Beach Resort and Spa.

The conference features presentations on tropical forestry, alternative energy, natural farming, taro farming, native Hawaiian culture, and agroforestry for integrated resource management.

Speakers will discuss the innovative alternative energy technology of WindWings and WaterWings, how to grow and cultivate indigenous microorganisms for healthy soil, traditional Hawaiian natural resource management and agricultural methods, and the cultural importance and challenges of taro farming.

Attendees will also learn more about integrated pest management, agroforestry, the alternative energy research being conducted at the Natural Energy Lab of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) park as well as their agriculture and aquacultural operations, and will visit a local coffee farm for a coffee-picking contest.

“This conference will also give conservation district members from the 12 states and the Pacific Island Territories an opportunity to learn more about agriculture in the State of Hawaii,” said Mary Robblee, conference coordinator and Conservation Assistant with the Kona Soil and Water Conservation District.

“Participants will learn about Hawaiian agricultural and resource management systems, and how they compare to Western agricultural practices here on Hawaii Island,” Robblee said.

NACD is the nonprofit organization that represents America’s 3,000 conservation districts, which help local people to conserve land, water, forests, wildlife, and related natural resources. Districts work with cooperating landowners and operators to help them manage and protect land and water resources on all private lands and many public lands.

Conference speakers include:

* Dr. Kaeo Duarte, water resources manager of the Land Assets Division, Kamehameha Schools: Traditional Hawaiian natural resource management and agricultural methods
* Jim Cain, Waipio taro farmer and King Lau Lau Brand poi maker: Taro farming
* Dr. Hoon Park, president, Cho Global Natural Farming–USA: “Farming with Indigenous Micro-Organisms”
* Giulio Ferruzzi, agronomist, USDA/NRCS West National Support Technology Center Conservation: “Integrated Pest Management”
* Craig Elevitch, author of Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands: “Agroforestry for Sustainable Resource Management—Pacifica Style”
* Ron Baird, director, NEHLA: NELHA alternative energy research and aquacultural operations
* Gene Kelley, president, CEO and technology officer of W2 Energy Development Corporation: The WindWing and WaterWing

The conference is co-sponsored by the Kona Soil and Water Conservation District, The Kohala Center and Big Island Resource Conservation and Development Council

For additional conference information, contact Robblee at 808-322-3735 or mary.robblee@hi.nacdnet.net.

— Find out more:
www.kohalacenter.org/soilandwater
http://nacdnet.org/

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