Maui small farms contribute so much to the island, yet it is a struggle to survive economically and to get enough water to keep crops healthy. Maui County, through the Office of Economic Development, sponsors the Farm Bureau. In addition County and State agencies seek out the opinions and views of the Farm Bureau. The government then makes policy regarding subsidies, zoning, programs and laws based on this advice.But does the Farm Bureau adequately represent the views and needs of small farmers? And should it be the only voice Maui County listens to? Recently the growers of one of Maui's newest crops - coffee (which, by the way, will soon exceed in acreage the coffee grown on the Big Island!) got together and created their own commodity group. They then appointed a representative to attend Farm Bureau meetings on their behalf and that representative was elected to the Farm Bureau board of directors. The coffee growers now have a voice in governmental policy!
Maui Sustainable Farming Coalition seeks to bring together respective associations of independent farmers to create commodity groups and bring their voice to this important decision influencing body. An example of possible commodity groups are:
a) native plants
b) medicinal plants
c) bamboo
d) algae/spirulina
e) aquaculture: aquarium, water features (water lilies)
f ) livestock: horses
g) perma-culture
h) energy farming: windmills, wind turbines, photo-voltaic, oils
i ) nuts and seeds: incl. coconut palms
These are just ideas. If several farmers can grow it (legally) then it is a commodity group; and justifies a representative on the Farm Bureau Board of Directors!
We feel that many of the zoning laws aren't beneficial to small farmers. We also would like to see more County involvement in programs to make farming more sustainable on Maui: cooperatives, farmers markets and eco and agri-tourism. We also very concerned with increasing the supply of water to small farms - including private and county catchment systems and stream restoration.
Most importantly we will provide a forum for small farmers. We will provide information, education and most of all support to one of the most under-represented groups in our community.
