MEDIA RELEASE

The 21st Annual Hawaii International Tropical Fruit Conference kicks off Sept. 9-11 at the Keauhou Beach Resort and continues with consecutive “After the Conference” gatherings on Oahu, Kauai and Maui.

With the theme, “The Time for Quality and Profitability,” the four gatherings headline Shree Padre of India. The farmer/journalist is known for his passion for water conservation and rainwater harvesting. He is a specialist in value-added products.

Shree Padre

The three-day meeting on the Big Isle includes a report on “Understanding Risk Management and the Cost of Production” by Dr. Kent Fleming of UH Manoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

In addition, there are 12 breakout sessions on topics like Selling to Wholesalers and Ag Tourism; a lively Farmer-Chef Roundtable with members of the ACF Kona Kohala Chefs Association; and a sweet plantation tour of the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory in Keauhou.

The multi-island conference format debuted in an effort to better serve and engage the members of the statewide Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers (HTFG), according to Ken Love, president. HTFG’s mailing list is 400 strong.

“We think it’s important to keep our members appraised of the latest research and market trends so we obtained funding to expand our reach,” Love said. “It’s more pricey now to travel interisland and the mini-conferences also offered convenience.”

The Kona gathering is open to the public. Registration forms and fee schedule are available at http://www.Hawaiifruit.net or by contacting Love at kenlove@hawaiiantel.net.

Incorporated in 1989 to promote tropical fruit grown in Hawaii, HTFG is a statewide association of tropical fruit growers, packers, distributors and hobbyists dedicated to tropical fruit research, education, marketing and promotion.

— Find out more:
www.hawaiitropicalfruitgrowers.org