December 3, 2010
Contributed by Thomas Yoshida
Master Cho of South Korea has been teaching this method for over four decades, reaching over 32 countries with great success. Natural farming, unlike organic farming, utilizes mixtures made from various everyday ingredients found in your kitchen pantry in lieu of chemical fertilizers. The method also employs micro-organisms found naturally in local soils to convert organic materials into minerals and nutrients plants can consume. The same technique allows livestock farmers to produce animal feed on-site, raising chickens, pigs and cows without foul odors.
Landowner David Wong first attended Cho's workshop on Hawai'i Island and believes natural farming has the ability to change the face of agriculture in the State of Hawai'i.
"Widespread natural farming may revive the agricultural industry and allow it to once again be a major contributor to our State's economy," Wong said. "This method can reduce costs by as much as 60 perfect, providing a healthy business model for small and large farms."
To learn more about this completely sustainable system of farming, attend the two day O'ahu workshop held December 7 - 8, 2010. During Master Cho's talk, participants will learn about philosophy and chi, the significance of indigenous micro-organisms, the nutritive cycle, and how natural farming inputs are made.
The workshops are presented by Cho Global Natural Farming and sponsored by Community Based Economic Development, Kamehameha Schools, the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture, Partners in Development Foundation, Christ United Methodist Church, Alternative Structures International, and the Hawaii FFA Foundation.
As part of its commitment to education and sustainable agriculture, Kamehameha Schools has offered its farmers scholarships to attend. For more information, visit www.ksbe.edu/land.
WORKSHOPS Date: Tuesday 12/7 and Wednesday 12/8 Time: 9am - 4pm Location: Christ United Methodist Church 1639 Ke'eaumoku Street, Honolulu, 96822 Price: $200. Lunch included. SITE VISIT Date: Thursday 12/9 Time: 9am- Noon Location: Kahumana Organic Farm 86-669 Lualualei Homestead Road, Wai'anae, 96792 Price: $50. Must attend two-day workshop. Transportation and lunch not included.REGISTER
Register after Nov. 30 by phone only at (808) 587-2773. Late registration fee is $25.
Media Contact: Leanne Okamoto
(808) 938-5398
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
