Source: UNIV OF HAWAII submitted to NRP
ENHANCED EFFICIENCY, COMPETITIVENESS AND SUSTAINABILITY OF VEGETABLE CROPS PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN HAWAII
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0227563
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2011
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2016
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
UNIV OF HAWAII
3190 MAILE WAY
HONOLULU,HI 96822
Performing Department
Plant & Environmental Protection Sciences
Non Technical Summary
This proposal will serve as an umbrella project to cover the several activities that are part of my overall research and extension program. As part of this project I will conduct evaluation trials to help identify adapted vegetable varieties that meet consumer quality demands. On-farm cover crop evaluations will be conducted to develop recommendations for their incorporation into existing production rotational systems. Based on previous industry surveys, recommendations will be developed for the adoption of organic and sustainable practices for the production of root crops in Hawaii. An analysis of the industry will be conducted to assess the opportunities and challenges that exist to expand the acreage of vegetable production in the state, to meet the consumer demand for more locally-grown produce. Educational programs will be conducted to increase the community knowledge-base about seed production, and variety selection techniques, with the prospect of establishing seed production cottage industries in the state. As part of a related project, educational programs will be conducted to increase the knowledge base among producers about best management practices for soil, water, and pest management in the farm. Outputs from the activities outlined below will include seminars, workshops, field days, extension bulletins, newsletter articles, and Internet publications. This project will help to improve the competitiveness of the local vegetable industry, and will help to promote the conservation of natural resources, and the long-term resiliency of agricultural systems in the state
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
20514991070100%
Knowledge Area
205 - Plant Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
1499 - Vegetables, general/other;

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology;
Goals / Objectives
Objectives The goal of this project is to develop appropriate production technologies for vegetable crops in the state including the adoption of adapted crop varieties and proper soil, water, and pest management on the farm: 1. Conduct variety trials in Hawaii both on-farm and at UH experiment stations to determine their adaptability, pest resistance, and horticultural characteristics; 2. Conduct on-farm cover crop evaluations to determine key agroecological services including their competiviness, attraction of beneficial insects, and competition for water and nutrients; 3. Determine key agroecological and organic production techniques for the production of root crops in Hawaii; 4. Explore the feasibility of expanding the acreage of vegetable crops production in Hawaii to meet increased consumer demand for locally-grown produce. 5. Conduct educational programs and on-farm evaluation trials on seed production, to increase the knowledge base in our rural communities about seed saving techniques. 6. Conduct educational programs to increase farmer knowledge-base about recommended soil, water, and pest management programs in the farm. Outputs: _ Research reports on the progress of project activities will be submitted as required, e.g., yearly. _ Research results will be disseminated via field visits, seminars, workshops, research reports, and hand-outs. _ Extension bulletins summarizing the findings of the project will be made available to stakeholders. _ Information, research updates, and publications will be also made available via the Internet and placed on CTAHR Web sites.
Project Methods
Objective 1. Stakeholders will be consulted to identify crop species that have potential for expansion in the state. Based on current stakeholder feedback, the first round of trials will be conducted with leafy lettuce varieties. Based on research conducted over the previous years, selected varieties will be used to conduct on-farm variety trials in the different production areas of the state. Varieties will be evaluated for their horticultural characteristics, and best time of the year for its production. Objective 2: On-farm trials will be conducted to evaluate the incorporation of cover crops on vegetable production systems. Cover crops will be evaluated for their ability to smother weed growth, and to determine their impact on the quality and yields of the cash crop. Objective 3: Based on an extensive survey of production practices followed by taro farmers across the state, a production scheme will be prepared for the adoption of sustainable and organic production practices to manage soil fertility and pests in taro cropping systems. Educational programs will be conducted to disseminate this information. Follow-up surveys will be conducted to determine those production practices that have the most potential for adoption across the industry. Objective 4: A global assessment will be made of the vegetable industry in the state, along with an assessment of available resources, such as land, water, and human capital to determine the potential to expand the acreage and volume of production of vegetable crops in the state. This information will be shared with stakeholders and policy makers to facilitate a more informed dialogue about the potentials for agricultural self-sufficiency in the state. Objective 5. Educational programs will be conducted around the state to increase the knowledge-base about seed-saving techniques, variety selection and improvement, and about the value of seed-banks and seed working groups, to improve the resilience and self-sufficiency of rural communities in the state. On-farm and home-garden variety trials will be conducted in different areas of the state to determine the feasibility and potential for localized seed production programs at the community, ahupuaa or watershed level. Objective 6: Educational programs will be conducted to disseminate information about best management practices to improve soil. irrigation water, and pest management in vegetable farms. These educational programs will be based on past, ongoing, and proposed research that has evaluated the effect of several soil and irrigation management practices on crop water uptake, for the production of vegetable crops in Hawaii.

Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:As part of the current reporting period I had over 1,000 direct contacts and over 5,000 indirect contacts. The target audience included peers and staff from sister agencies, farmers, gardeners, and community members. Over the entire period of this project (Oct. 2010 to Sept. 30, 2016) I made a total of over 19,000 direct contacts and over 430,000 indirect contacts. Contacts were achieved via invited presentations, workshops or field days, Industry Meetings, social media, and direct consultations. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Annual Workshops were conducted on Seed Production and Variety Trial Selection. Annual Conferences and field days were conducted with the Hawaii Organic Farmers Association to update farmers and agricultural professionals in the area of marketing, crop production, pest management, and soil-building strategies. Video presentations and publications were prepared on the area of agroecology, water use, and agricultural sustainability. Overall, during the duration of this project, I gave over 200 presentations, co-organized 40 workshops, had over 110 publications, and gave over 590 technical consultations to clients, providing opportunity for professional development for colleagues, or agriculture professionals. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results were disseminated through annual workshops, invited presentations, publications, and video presentations. Over the last year of the project these included over 1,000 direct contacts with clients or stakeholders, over 5,000 indirect contacts, 9 publications, 17 presentations, one Conference, one field day, and interaction with stakeholders through 18 industry meetings. Over the duration of this project I made over 19,000 direct contacts, over 430,000 indirect contacts, gave over 200 invited presentations throughout the state, had over 110 publications, co-organized 40 workshops, participated in 118 industry or association meetings, and provided over 590 consultations to clients. I also interacted with colleagues and peers by reviewing over 40 refereed journal manuscripts or project proposals. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Annual workshops were conducted as part of the Hawaii Public Seed Initiative that was first started in Hawaii in 2010. The goals of the Seed Workshops was to provide basic training for gardeners, farmers, and agricultural professionals on the art and science of seed production, development of seed banks and seed exchange programs, and conducting variety trials and variety selection protocols. Annual workshops were conducted on organic farming to disseminate information about organic practices, marketing, pest management, and soil-building strategies. Presentations were given throughout the state, almost on a monthly basis on the topics of vegetable crops production; organic farming; the science of agroecology; sustainable agriculture and farming in Hawaii; about the links between agriculture, farm resiliency and the prospects of climate change; and about the risks to social and environmental stability posed by crop biotechnology and related industrial or chemical-based agricultural practices. I also worked with Industry groups to help organize the Hawaii Farmers Union, and worked to promote and to develop educational activities through the Hawaii Organic Farming Association. Overall, over the duration of this project from 2010 to 2016, as part of my educational and outreach activities I made a total of over 19,000 direct contacts and over 430,000 indirect contacts with clients involving farmers, gardeners, and community groups. Contacts were made by giving over 200 invited presentations throughout the state, 40 workshops or field days, by participating in 118 Industry or Association meetings, by providing to clients over 590 consultations or technology packages, with over 110 publications (including several videos), by moderating two CTAHR listservs, through a Web site that serves as a repository of vegetable crops production information, and through active participation on social media groups dealing with agriculture and environmental sustainability. As part of my interaction with peers and the wider international scientific community I also reviewed over 40 manuscripts or project proposals with a variety of scientific journals, and was also invited to become an Associate Editor of the Scientific Journal Bragantia (Brazil), which recently celebrated 75 years of publication.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2017 Citation: Fares, A., Bensley, A., Bayabil, H., Awal, R., Fares, S., Valenzuela, H., and Abbas, F. 2017. Carbon Dioxide Emission in Relation with Irrigation and Organic Amendment. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Awal, R., Fares, A., Fares, S., Valenzuela, H., and Harris, R. 2015. Optimum Turf Irrigation Management Minimizes Irrigation Water, Saves Energy, and Reduces CO2 Emission: Case of Oahu Public Schools. Secon Conference on Water Resource Sustainability: Issues on Tropical Islands. Hilton Hawaiian Village, Honolulu, HI. Dec. 1-3, 2015.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2015. Concerns about GMOs. Interview with host Dr. Melissa Yee. Broadcasted several times on Olelo Public Television, December 2015.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2016. Hoopili Radio Interview. Radio Interview, Hoopili Project, Urbanization and protection of valuable agricultural Lands. With Host Tom Berg. KWAI 1080AM. Jan. 8, 2016. Video, https://youtu.be/1RkDHNm-MUk.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2016. Protection of Agricultural lands in Hoopili. Interview by former Honolulu City Council member Tom Berg, Video Presentation, May 13, 2016, https://youtu.be/4C-6AEtj2ow
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2016. The Disposition of Hoopili seeking Court Ordered Injunction to Stop Ho`opili., Youtube video presentation with interview by former Honolulu City Council member Tom Berg, Video Presentation, May 13, 2016. https://youtu.be/XwDp-V2Yl4w
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2016. Professor Hector Valenzuela Busts Economic Benefit Myth of Pesticide Farming in Hawaii & Internationally. Video as part of Shaka March, Iolani Palace, Honolulu, June 12, 2016. https://vimeo.com/170557007
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2015. A Critical Assessment of Agroecology as a new Global Paradigm to challenge mainstream concepts of Industrial or Conventional Agriculture. pp. 27-34. In: Proceedings of QMHO2015, The First International Symposium on Quality Management of Organic Horticultural Produce, and International Conference on Sustainability of Organic Agriculture, Ubon Ratchatani, Thailand. Dec. 6-9, 2015.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2015. Pest and Disease Control Strategies for Sustainable Pacific Agroecosystem. In Elevitch, C.R. (ed). Agroforestry Landscapes for Pacific Islands: Creating abundant and resilient food systems. Publisher: Permanent Agriculture Resources (PAR), 2015, Kona, Hawaii Island. pp. 332.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Fares, A., Ripendra, A., Fares, S., Johnson, A., and Valenzuela, H. 2016. Irrigation Water Requirements for Seed Corn and Coffee under Potential Climate Change Scenarios. Journal of Water and Climate Change (2015): jwc2015025. doi: 10.2166/wcc.2015.025.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2016. Agroecology: A Global Paradigm to Challenge Mainstream Industrial Agriculture. Horticulturae. 2(1), 2; doi:10.3390/horticulturae2010002


Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:As part of my outreach activities in the area of vegetable crops production technology, sustainable agriculture, ecological and organic farming I reached 1,976 direct contacts (personal contacts), over 20,300 indirect contacts (people linking to videos or media presentations), for a total of over 22,000 contacts. Through my outreach activities I reached farmers, prospective farmers, gardeners, and citizens interested about the food system and agriculture in Hawaii. Changes/Problems:Because of the highly diversified nature of vegetable farms, with over 300 commodities grown locally, and because of their relatively small size, multiple climatic zones and biophysical constraints, high-cost of living, and general market and geographical isolation-- on-farm research has particular challenges in a state like Hawaii. It is important to continue to work with farmers to develop on-farm research strategies that are applicable to Hawaii, given the intensity of production, and that farmer collaborators may be located in varied environments, and on different islands, across the state. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?I participated in a series of seven workshops that were conducted across the state to provide a perspective on soil fertility and on alternative pest and weed management strategies for the production of fruit crops and vegetable crops in the state. I also served as a resource on two workshops to discuss variety selection strategies, participatory crop breeding, and on-farm seed production strategies for Hawaii--as part of a 5-year project that involves on-farm variety trials, and on-farm seed-saving programs. I helped to organize the Annual Organic Farming Conference to promote the growth of the organic industry in the state. I also served on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Organic Farmers Association, which assists to develop educational and professional improvement programs for farmers in the state. At the international level I helped to train a visiting student from Brazil in the area of organic soil fertility, and served as an Associate Editor of the scientific journal Bragantia (Brazil). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results of my programmatic activities were disseminated by giving 22 presentations; preparing 6 publications; participating in 9 workshops around the state on the topics of alternative pest management, soil fertility management, and variety trials and seed production. I also provided over 55 technology or information packages to clients, including farm visits. In addition I moderated or co-moderated two informational listservs to share information about organic farming and crop biotechnology, and actively shared pertinent information via social media. Overall I made over 1,900 direct contacts and over 20,300 indirect contacts. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?I will continue outreach activities in the area of improved vegetable crop production technologies, sustainability of the food system, adaptation to climate change, and on key agroecological techniques. I will help to organize an annual Organic Farming Conference, and will continue to participate in workshops on different aspects of crop production, and on sustainable agriculture. I will continue to develop strategies for on-farm participatory vegetable crop variety evaluations, and on on-farm seed production techniques.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Publications were published on the modeling of estimated irrigation demands of major crops in Hawaii under a different set of climate change scenarios, and in the area of sustainable agriculture for tropical climates. I participated in a series of workshops that were conducted across the state to provide a perspective on alternative pest and weed management strategies for the production of fruit crops and vegetable crops in the state. I also served as a resource on workshops around the state to discuss variety selection strategies, participatory crop breeding, and on-farm seed production strategies for Hawaii--as part of a 5-year project that involves on-farm variety trials, and on-farm seed-saving programs. Outreach programs consisted of giving 22 invited presentations; preparing 6 publications; co-organized 3 workshops/field days; and participated in 25 industry meetings to develop educational programs and to promote the growth of the horticultural industries in the state. As part of my outreach and research activities I served on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Organic Farmers Association, and I was also invited to serve as an Associate Editor of the scientific journal Bragantia (Brazil). Overall, as part of my outreach activities I reached over 1,900 direct contacts, over 20,300 indirect contacts, and provided over 55 consultation or information packages to clients.

Publications

  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2015. Pest and Disease Control Strategies for Sustainable Pacific Agroecosystem. In Elevitch, C.R. (ed). Permanent Agriculture Resources (PAR). Kona, Hawaii Island.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Fares, A., A. Ripendra, S. Fares, A. Johnson, and H. Valenzuela. 2015. Irrigation Water Requirements for Seed Corn and Coffee under Potential Climate Change Scenarios. Journal of Water and Climate Change (2015): jwc2015025. doi: 10.2166/wcc.2015.025.
  • Type: Other Status: Under Review Year Published: 2016 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2016. Agroecology: a Global Paradigm to Challenge Mainstream Industrial Agriculture. Horticulturae. In Review. ISSN 2311-7524 www.mdpi.com/journal/horticulturae
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2015. Concerns about GMOs. Interview with host Dr. Melissa Yee. To be broadcasted on local Public Television Station, Olelo, Honolulu, Hawaii.


Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: As part of my outreach activities in the area of vegetable crops production technology, sustainable agriculture, ecological and organic farming, and on the area of consumer concerns about crop biotechnology I reached 4,200 direct contacts (personal contacts), over 74,000 indirect contacts (people linking to videos or media presentations), for a total of over 78,000 contacts. Changes/Problems: Because of the highly diversified nature of vegetable farms and because of their relatively small size, on-farm research has particular challenges in a state like Hawaii. It is important to continue to work with farmers to develop on-farm research strategies that are applicable for Hawaii, given the intensity of production, and that farmer collaborators may be located in varied environments, and on different islands, across the state. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? I helped to conduct a three day workshop on seed production technology, and to develop a statewide public seed initiative. I gave 35 presentations, and participated in workshops to cover the areas of Land Management and Soil Preparation; Vegetable Crops Production Techniques; Soil Remediation strategies; Agroecology and Sustainable Agricultural Practices; and on Soil Regeneration and Fertility strategies. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results of my programmatic activities were disseminated by giving 35 presentations, 21 publications, and a three day workshop. Many of my presentations were archived on youtube and on other media sites. I also gave over 55 technology or information packages to clients. In addition I moderated or co-moderated two informational listservs to share information about organic farming and crop biotechnology, and actively shared pertinent information via social media. Overall I made over 4,200 direct contacts and over 74,000 indirect contacts. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? I will continue outreach activities in the area of improved vegetable crop production technologies, and on key agroecological techniques. I will help to organize an annual Organic Farming Conference, and will continue to participate in workshops on different aspects of crop production, and on sustainable agriculture. I will continue to develop strategies for on-farm participatory vegetable crop variety evaluations.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Research results were published with respect to variety evaluation trials, and on the assessment of crop water irrigation needs based on changing climatic patterns. Considerable public outreach was conducted in the area of vegetable crop production, resource use management, and sustainable and ecological farming practices. Outreach programs included giving 35 public presentations; authoring or co-authoring 21 publications, including a chapter on alternative pest control strategies for tropical regions; participated in 6 industry meetings; assisted the organic industry as a board member of the Hawaii Organic Farmers Association in the preparation of an industry strategic plan; and continued to conduct educational programs in the area of public seed production programs. Overall, as part of my outreach activities I reached over 4,200 direct contacts, and over 74,000 indirect contacts, and provided over 56 consultation or information packages to clients.

Publications

  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. Pesticide Use in Crop Biotechnology. In: Facing Hawaiis Future. Hawaii Seed: Essential information about gmos. Hawaii Seed. Palace Press International.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2014. Pest and Disease Control Strategies for Sustainable Pacific Agroecosystem. In Elevitch, C.R. (ed). Permanent Agriculure Resources (PAR). Kona, Hawaii Island
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2015 Citation: Fares, A., A. Ripendra, S. Fares, A. Johnson, and H. Valenzuela. 2015. Irrigation Water Requirements for Seed Corn and Coffee under Potential Climate Change Scenarios. Irrigation and Drainage. Manuscript IRD-15-0012.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Fares, A., Ripendra Awal, Hector Valenzuela, Samira Fares, Alton B. Johnson, Ahmet Dogan, and Norman Nagata. 2013. Effect of Irrigation Systems and Landscape Species on Irrigation Water Requirements Simulated by the Irrigation Management System (IMANSYS). Irrigation Show and Education Conference 2013. (In CD ROM). Proceeding of the Annual Irrigation Association Meetings. Austin, TX, Nov. 4-8 2013.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Uyeda, J., J. Sugano, S. Fukuda, T. Radovich, S. Migita, A. Pant, and H. Valenzuela. 2014. Evaluation of Romaine Lettuce Varieties for Commercial Production in Hawaii 20112014. Univ. Hawaii Coop. Ext. Serv. VC-3. File, romaine var trial UH14.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. The Science Behind Hawaii Island GMO Bill 113. Op-ed. Honolulu Civil Beat. October 30, 2013.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. The Science Behind Hawaii Island GMO Bill 113. Op-ed. Huffington Post-Hawaii. Nov. 1, 2013
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. The Science Behind Hawaii Island GMO Bill 113. Op-ed. GM Watch. Nov. 1, 2013
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. Conflicts of Interest Confound the Negative Views of Hawaii GMO Bills. Honolulu Civil Beat. Nov. 18, 2013.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. Conflicts cloud assessment of Bill 113. Op-ed. Hawaii Herald Tribune. Nov. 19, 2013
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. Conflicts of Interest Confound the Negative Views of Hawaii GMO Bills. Huffington Post Hawaii. Nov. 21, 2013.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2014. Questions about the safety of GM crops. Kauai Garden Island Newspaper. Op-ed. Aug. 9, 2014.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2014. Questions about the safety of GM crops valid. Op-ed: Viewpoint. Maui News. August 12, 2014
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Fares, A., Ripendra Awal, Samira Fares, Alton Johnson and Hector Valenzuela. 2013. Potential Response of Two Crops Irrigation Water Requirements to Some Potential Climate Change Scenarios. Water, Food, Energy & Innovation for a sustainable world. ASA, CSSA & SSSA International Annual Meetings, Tampa, Florida. Nov. 3-6, 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Harris, R., Fares, A., Awal, R., Valenzuela, H., Fares, S., and Abbas, F.: 2013. Demonstrating irrigation and nitrogen best management practices for sustainable urban turf grass, 25th Annual CTAHR and COE Student Research Symposium, University of Hawaii at M?noa.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. Panel presentation on crop biotechnology: GMOS AND PAPAYA-An Unnatural Disaster in Paradise on 'Olelo Focus 49. Replayed on Olelo public Television on Oct. 3 and Oct. 11, 2013.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. Interview about current GMO and pesticide disclosure bills in Hawaii. KITV morning news, TV Channel 6,with Lara Yamada. 5:40AM. Honolulu, Hawaii, Nov. 5, 2013.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. Environmental Risks of Crop Biotechnology. Paia, Maui. Dec. 17, 2013. Youtube video presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2014. Panel discussion on the risks of pesticides used by the GM Seed industry in the state. North Shore Neighborhood Board. Waimea Botanical Park, Oahu, Hawaii. Feb. 18, 2014. Aired on Olelo Community Public TV Channel 49 on March 6, 7, 11, 12th, 2014.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2014. Biotechnology discussion Panel. Invited panel presentation. American Association of University Women, http://hilo-hi.aauw.net/events/upcoming-events/ UH Hilo. Hilo.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2014. Video: Updates on the debate about crop biotechnology in Hawaii. Invited presentation. Toko No Hikari Hawaii Center, Nuuanu, Honolulu. Youtube video presentation.


Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Gardeners, Farmers, colleagues, staff at sister institutions, industry groups, socia organizations, and residents Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The project included 8 workshops or Field Days in the area of seed production or best management practices, 26 publications, 53 presentations, and 24 industry or client group meetings, in which I provided an advisory role. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Information was disseminated via 53 invited presentations to client groups, by giving or co-organizing 8 workshops/field days, by authoring 26 publications, by providing over 120 packages of information to individual clients (based on their request), by participating in 24 industry or client group meetings to provide an advisory role, and by appearing 20 times in a variety of media (such as television and newspaper). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? I plan to continue my educational activities in the area of vegetable crops production technology, sustainable agriculture, and agroecology. I plan to continue on-farm research to identify varieties adapted to Hawaii, and to develop adequate multi-location on farm research protocols for the identification of adapted and productive germplasm for Hawaii. I will collaborate with colleagues to continue to deliver information about seed quality and production techniques.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? As part of the current reporting period I focused my programmatic activities in the area of Vegetable Crops production technology; Organic farming, Agroecology, and Sustainable agriculture practices; Irrigation and water management as related to production efficiency and climate change; seed production techniques to improve variety selection and germplasm availability in Hawaii; and on crop biotechnology. Best management practices that were promoted included irrigation scheduling, soil management, variety selection, and recommended techniques to improve agrobiodiversity and for optimal seed production and seed saving. Research was initiated to conduct on-farm and on-garden variety trials, with leaf lettuce and specialty tomato varieties around the state. This is part of a programmatic goal to move some aspects of variety or germplasm evaluation trials from the experiment station and into the farm. The goal is to engage farmers and gardeners as collaborators and as partners, through all phases of the research process. Trials were also continued to evaluate Romaine lettuce varieties, for commercial production in Hawaii. We evaluated organic heirloom leafy lettuce varieties from a seed breeder in Oregon, including crosses with old UH heirloom varieties. These evaluation trials will continue. Several Romaine lettuce varieties were identified, for the different growing seasons, and for different markets. A tomato variety with good growth and quality characteristics was also identified. This research will continue in an effort to establish more systematic multi-location germplasm evaluation trials in Hawaii, to identify well adapted and productive specialty varieties for production by organic farmers and gardeners. The consumer demand for locally grown produce, and for information about adopting sustainable or ecologically-based production practices has continued to increase over the past few years. As part of my extension programmatic activities for the present reporting period I gave 53 invited presentations, co-organized or gave 8 workshops or field days, provided over 120 packages of information to clients; participated in 24 client or industry meetings; authored 26 extension/educational publications; co-moderated an organic listserv; actively participated in educational listserv and social media discussions, and moderated a crop biotechnology discussion listserv.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2014 Citation: Fares, A., Awal,R., Valenzuela, H., Fares, S., Johnson, A.B., Dogan, A., and Nagata, N. 2013. Effect of Irrigation Systems and Landscape Species on Irrigation Water Requirements (IWRs) Simulated by the Irrigation Management System (IMANSYS). Proceeding of the Annual Irrigation Association Meetings. Orlando, Florida.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. Pesticide Use in Crop Biotechnology. Book Chapter. In: Facing Hawaiis Future: Essential information about gmos. Hawaii Seed. Honolulu, Hawaii.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Under Review Year Published: 2014 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2014. Alternative Pest Control Strategies for Agroecosystems in the Pacific. Book Chapter. In Elevitch, C.R. (ed). Permanent Agriculure Resources (PAR). Kona, Hawaii Island, Hawaii (in Review).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: Fares, A., Awal, R., Htun, H., Fares, S., Johnson, A. and Valenzuela, H. 2013. Potential Response of Two Crops Irrigation Water Requirements to Some Potential Climate Change Scenarios. ASA, CSSA & SSSA.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Franklin, C., Valenzuela, H., et al. 2012. On Public Land, Corporate Interest and the Fight For Food Sovereignty. The Hawaii Independent. Nov. 2, 2012.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2012. Report on UH's Responsibility as a Land Grant Institution: A Town Hall Meeting. The Hawaii Independent. Nov. 15, 2012.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. Environmental and Health risks from the use of Roundup Herbicide. Second Edition. Univ. Hawaii at Manoa Vegetable Crops, Organic, and Sustainable Crops Lab. Misc. Pub.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. Partial list of pesticides used by GM Seed Industry in Hawaii, Fact-sheet. Univ. Hawaii at Manoa Vegetable crops, Organic, and Sustainable Crops Lab. Facebook. By June 2, 2013 it had received 558 positive hits.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. Health Effects from the Exposure to Pesticides used for the Production of GM Crops: Observations from Epidemiological Studies in Latin America. Univ. Hawaii at Manoa, Vegetable crops, Organic, and Sustainable Crops Lab. Misc. Pub.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. Controversy about GM crops has a silver lining. Op-ed. Honolulu Star-Advertiser. July 3, 2013.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. Overview on the controversial Pesticide and GMO disclosure Bill 2491 on Kauai. Huffington Post-Hawaii. Sept. 25, 2013. By Nov. 4, 2013, it had 922 positive hits.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. Pesticide Contamination, Exposure on Kauai Worse Around GMO Fields. Honolulu Civil Beat. Sept. 25, 2013. By Sept. 30, 2013 this article had 161 positive hits.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2012. Save our Seeds! Univ. Hawaii, CTAHR Notes. No. 92, November 14, 2012.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Valenzuela, H.R. 2012. Interview for film on Food Security in Hawaii. Movie: Na Kupu Mana Olana. Seeds of Hope, produced by the Hawaii Rural Development Council. Featured at the Hawaii Film Festival, Honolulu, Oct. 19, 2012. Premiered on Hawaii Island Oct. 28, 2012, and Kauai on Oct. 23& 24, 2012. Featured PBS Public Television Station, Hawaii.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2012. Crop biotechnology and the future of agriculture in Hawaii. Video Interview for Health and Nutrition show on Public Television (PBS and Olelo Television. With Mama T. Gonsalves from Down To Earth). Honolulu, HI., Nov. 18, 2012.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. The future of agriculture in Hawaii, the controversy about GM Crops. Video by Pono Kealoha, as part of March on March Rally held in Haleiwa, Oahu, March 2, 2013.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. The future of agriculture in Hawaii, the controversy about GM Crops. Video presentation by the North Shore Informer. By March 7, 2013, this video had positive 593 hits.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. The future of agriculture in Hawaii and the controversy over GM Crops. Evening News, KHON Television (local FOX Affiliate) Channel, Oahu, March 2, 2013.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. The health risks and debate over GM crops. Evening News, KGMB Television (local CBS affiliate), April 4, 2013.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. Exposing the GMO Myths. Whats Going On television show, Olelo Community Public TV Station, Waianae High School. Aired on May 22, 23, 24, and 25th.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. Crop biotechnology, social, environmental and health risks. Olelo Community Public Television. July 26, 27, 28 and July 1, 2013.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. Preserving valuable Agricultural lands in Hawaii. Evening News. KGMB, CBS affiliate TV Station. June 25, 2013.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. Preserving valuable Agricultural lands in Hawaii. Olelo Community Public TV, re-broadcasted 5 times inc. July 29, 2013.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. Biotechnology in Hawaii. Olelo Community Public Television, as part of GMO Week. Replayed several (5) times over July & August, 2013.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Valenzuela, H. 2013. The risks of crop biotechnolgy and the potentials for small-scale high-value organic farming in Hawaii. Video presentation. Hawaii Island County Council. Hilo, Hawaii. Sept. 23, 2013.
  • Type: Other Status: Under Review Year Published: 2014 Citation: Uyeda, J., Sugano, J., Fukuda, S., Radovich, T., Migita, S., Pant, A., and Valenzuela, H. 2014. Evaluation of Romaine Lettuce Varieties for Commercial Production in Hawaii: 2011-2014. Univ. Hawaii Coop. Ext. Service (In Review).


Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: As part of the current reporting period I conducted on-farm research on the use of cover crops, crop selection, and water management practices to improve the marketability and efficiency of production of high-value crops in the state. Educational activities were conducted on adopting best management practices, on sustainable and organic production techniques, on management practices needed to better adapt to climate change, on planning for self-sufficiency and for a sustainable future in the state, and on variety selection, seed production, and seed saving techniques. As part of my educational activities for the present reporting period I gave 54 presentations co-organized or gave 20 workshops or field days, provided about 150 packages of information to clients; participated in several client meetings; authored 29 extension/educational publications; conducted on-farm research and demonstration projects; co-moderated an organic listserv; moderated a crop biotechnology discussion listserv, and helped to moderate two websites. Miscellaneous educational/outreach publications Valenzuela, H. 2012. A sample of Refereed Publications and Scientific Reviews documenting potential Health Risks from the Consumption of Genetically Modified crops. Univ. Hawaii at Manoa, Misc. Pub., Available at: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/33544971/health%20articles%20HV12.pdf Valenzuela, H. 2012. Environmental and Health Risks of Synthetic Chemicals used by the Biotechnology Seed Industry in Hawaii. Available from: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/33544971/PesticidesKauaiHV12.pdf, Announced on Web site from Europe on April 19, 2012 at: http://www.gmwatch.org/latest-listing/51-2012/13865-genetic-engineeri ng-in-hawaii Valenzuela, H. 2012. Environmental and Health risks from the use of Roundup Herbicide. Univ. Hawaii at Manoa. Misc. Pub. Available from: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/33544971/Roundup%20report%20HV12.pdf. Howe, L., N.Redfeather, and H.Valenzuela. 2012. The Hawaii Public Seed Initiative. Hanai Ai/The Food Provided. Sustainable Ag Newsletter, CTAHR, March-April-May. 6 pp. http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/sustainag/news/articles/V11-Valenzuela-se edinitiative.pdf Valenzuela, H. 2011. Hawaiian Horticulture, Organic Production, Risks and Genetically Engineered Crops. HortScience. 46(9):S82. http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/content/46/9.toc. Video of presentation available at: http://ashs.org/db/horttalks/detail.lassoid=117152 PARTICIPANTS: Worked with farmer collaborators as part of an on-farm research project. Collaborated with five colleagues from CTAHR, with the Kohala Center of Hawaii Island, and with Kauai Regenerations Botanical Gardens to conduct a series of seed production and saving workshops around the state. Collaborated with volunteers throughout the state to conduct educational activities about sustainable agriculture. Collaborated with the UH School of Law and SOEST, and with the CTAHR ADAP project to conduct educational activities on climate change. Collaborated with CTAHR colleagues and the UH Master Gardener Program to conduct educational activities. Collaborated with the Hawaii Nursery Industry association to conduct educational activities. TARGET AUDIENCES: Interacted with farmers, gardeners, colleagues, staff from sister institutions and the general public to conduct educational programs about farming, gardening, seed production and seed-saving, the need to adapt to climate change through agroecological farming techniques, and on food self-sufficiency and sustainability. Received positive feedback through direct feedback, through comments on the Internet or email, and via workshop evaluation forms. Overall interacted and shared information with over 3000 direct contacts (non-formal education programs), and with over 100,000 indirect contacts (video and television presentations). PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Through my research and educational activities I shared pertinent information about alternative management production practices to help growers manage pests and reduce their reliance on the use of external inputs. Research in the area of cover crops, living mulches, and irrigation management provided information on alternative management practices. I received positive feedback from gardeners and farmers about the value of my presentations, with follow-up inquiries about specific production practices that may be applicable to their gardens and farms. I actively communicated and shared information with a network of clients from the U.S., Hawaii and the Pacific Region, and routinely receive positive feedback from my contributions. My work and publications received considerable exposure in the local media and in the Internet. Through my educational activities gardeners and farmers learned about ecological farming practices, and about techniques for variety selection, seed production and seed saving. As a result, gardeners and farmers have become more interested about seed production and seed saving on their farms and gardens. Overall I interacted with over 500 clients as part of non-formal educational activities, and received positive feedback through personal communication or via workshop evaluation forms. A transformative change is being experienced with clients throughout the state with a new call for the establishment of ecological agricultural systems, for self-sufficiency, and for the need for the state to produce local wholesome, nutritious, and toxic-free produce. In turn, local farmers are also changing their paradigm of production, looking to adopt alternative production programs. Similarly university colleagues and staff from sister agencies, are responding by integrating sustainability and organic production techniques into their research and educational programs.

Publications

  • Valenzuela, H. 2011. Farm and Forestry Production and Marketing Profile for Chili pepper Production. pp. 101-112. In: Elevitch, C.R. (ed.). Specialty Crops for Pacific Island Agroforestry. Permanent Agriculture Resources (PAR), ISBN-13: 978-0-9702544-8-1. http://agroforestry.net/scps/scpsbook.html
  • Valenzuela, H. 2013. Pesticide Use in Crop Biotechnology. In: Facing Hawaii Future. Hawaii Seed: Essential information about gmos. Honolulu, Hawaii.
  • Abbas, F., Fares, A., Valenzuela, H.R., and Fares, S. 2012. Carbon Dioxide Emissions from an Organically Amended Tropical Soil. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture. DOI: 10.1080/10440046.2011.627989. 36(1)3-17.
  • Fares, A., Valenzuela, H., Fares, S., Waters, S., and Nagata, N. 2012. Effect of Irrigation Systems and Landscape Species on Irrigation Water Requirements (IWRs) Simulated by The Irrigation Management System (IMANSYS). Proceeding of the Annual Irrigation Association Meetings. Orlando, Florida.
  • Valenzuela, H. 2011. Farm and Forestry Production and Marketing Profile for Ginger (Zingiber officinale). pp. 193-204. In: Elevitch, C.R. (ed.). Specialty Crops for Pacific Island Agroforestry. Permanent Agriculture Resources (PAR), ISBN-13: 978-0-9702544-8-1. http://agroforestry.net/scps/scpsbook.html