Landowners growing or wanting to grow Christmas trees and other specialty crops are invited to attend the upcoming specialty farmer business training workshop from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 1 in Hilo.
The workshop is part of the ongoing ‘Aina Mauna Christmas Tree Demonstration Project and 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, Hawaii Agriculture Research Center, 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, state Department of Agriculture Market Development Branch.
• Diane L. Ley and Glenn Sako, Hawaii County Department of Research and Development.
• John McHugh, Ph.D., state Department of Agriculture plant nursery administrator.
• Lance C. Sakaino, state Department of Agriculture plant quarantine specialist.
• Judi Mellon, Hawaii Small Business Development Center.
The ‘Aina Mauna Christmas Tree Demonstration Project involves importing and propagating seed and outplanting fir seedlings on Hawaii Island. The project’s goal is to show that Douglas fir is suitable for Hawaii production and to establish protocols and methods to create top quality Christmas trees that can compete with the imported trees in local markets.
Providing Hawaii with locally grown Christmas trees will support import replacement and promote the “Buy Local, It Matters” message.
To reserve a seat, RSVP to hfia@hawaiiforest.org by Nov. 24. For more information, contact HFIA Executive Director Heather Simmons at 933-9411 or email heather.hfia@hawaiiforest.org.