Hawaiian Demo Showcases Conservation, Unusual Fruit

Farmers in Hawaii are learning about new crop options and conservation strategies from an ambitious new project known as “12 Trees,” a demonstration site featuring a dozen tropical tree fruits with commercial potential. The SARE-funded project, which has been embraced by the community for its uniqueness as well as its unexpected status as a tourist destination, received a boost when California NRCS District Conservationist Jeff Knowles joined the team managing the site.

To start, farmer and organizer Ken Love solicited input from chefs to identify 12 tropical tree fruits, such as loquat, pomegranate, mysore berry, tropical apricot, figs and more, that show commercial potential. Then, project leaders and volunteers planted trees on a demonstration site where farmers and researchers could learn about production methods -- and tourists and local residents could come to see, taste and buy unusual fruits.

“The 12 Trees project is the only attempt to show farmers there are alternatives to cash crops in the Kona District other than coffee and macadamia nuts,” said Knowles, who in his personal time volunteers to help maintain the site. “It has the potential to open new markets for the fruits that currently don't exist and increase potential earnings for farmers. Moreover, it promotes the diversification of crops.”

Knowles presented about cover crops and mulching to a tropical fruit growers group at the 12 Trees site, He also regularly refers to the alternative fruits when working with Hawaiian farmers on diversification issues.

Love, who was eager to provide new options for fellow farmers, harnessed interest from the community to kick off the project in 2003. “This came about solely because of community involvement,” Love says. “So instead of a university test plot, we have an attractive public park complete with educational displays on sustainable agriculture.”

As the trees come into full production, the Kona Pacific Farmers Cooperative will market the fruit to area restaurants. Students at the West Hawaii Culinary Arts program have developed recipes for the fruits.

“Everyone wins and benefits from this project,” Love says. “Researchers have a sustainable certified organic field for tropical fruit production tests, and chefs and student chefs are exposed to a wide variety of fruit that they continue to purchase from local growers.”

The 12 Trees site, located near the culinary school, was designed for visitors. Self-guided tours with field signs highlight information for growers and consumers. Two natural amphitheaters provide space for local groups to hold on-site workshops in pruning, grafting, etc. It also draws visitors to the 101-year-old historic Kona coffee co-op.

About SARE
Since 1988, SARE has helped advance farming systems that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for communities through a nationwide grants program.  The program, administered by  CSREES and USDA, funds projects and conducts outreach designed to improve agricultural systems and natural resources.

NRCS field office professionals frequently collaborate on SARE-funded projects and are valuable partners to the SARE program.  NRCS staff serve on SARE’s national Operations Committee, on regional Administrative Councils, on State committees and are actively engaged as technical advisers and collaborators on SARE-funded research grants around the U.S.

For more information, visit the SARE website or for more information about the regional SARE programs, click on the region area of the map below.

Your contact is Diana Friedman, SARE research associate, at 301-504-6422.