By Laura Nelson
District Conservationist, Kealakekua Field Office

In the lush, sun-kissed landscapes of Kona, Hawai’i, where the vibrant green of the land meets the deep blue of the Pacific, a quiet revolution is underway. Amidst the coffee farms and tropical orchards, farmers are finding innovative ways to cultivate their land sustainably, thanks in part to vital support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Bill programs, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

For the past decade, farmer Isaac Tanaka has been weaving a tale of transformation, one layer of mulch at a time. His story is not just about enriching the land; it’s a testament to the impact of perseverance, collaboration, and the nurturing touch of Mother Nature.

Ten years ago, Tanaka embarked on a mission to rejuvenate his farm’s soil. With unwavering commitment, he embraced mulching as a fundamental practice. The result? A layer of rich, fertile soil that once didn’t exist. This newfound treasure trove became the foundation for a flourishing agroforest, teeming with life and potential.

As the trees on Tanaka’s farm thrived, they created a lush canopy overhead. This natural canopy not only provides shade but also contributes to the cycle of growth. The leaves that fall became compost, nurturing the soil beneath. This ingenious system, born from nature’s wisdom, further enriches the land, fostering an environment where vegetation thrives, and soil creation has become a continuous, self-sustaining process.

 “Mulching for the past 10 years has created a layer of rich soil that did not exist,” says Tanaka. “The trees have benefited from the mulching and created a canopy that makes even more compost and shade so the soil can retain more moisture, leading more vegetation to retain and make more soil.”

A Partnership for Progress

In this journey, Tanaka found an invaluable ally in USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) of the Pacific Islands Area. Their Kealakekua Service Center provided guidance, support and financial assistance that empowered him to continue his mulching efforts and explore new techniques. With NRCS Pacific Islands Area by his side, Tanaka implemented innovative practices that enhanced the soil’s vitality, making his farm a model of sustainable agriculture.

“NRCS has been a beneficial partner, giving me information and financial support to allow me to keep mulching and try new practices to enrich the soil,” he said.

EQIP, a flagship program under the Farm Bill, has been instrumental in fostering environmental stewardship among Kona's farmers. By providing financial and technical assistance, EQIP empowers farmers to implement conservation practices that protect soil, water and air quality.

In the volcanic soils of Kona, this support has been pivotal. Farmers have utilized EQIP funding to implement erosion control measures, establish cover crops and install efficient irrigation systems, safeguarding both their crops and the fragile local ecosystems.

Through EQIP, Tanaka mulched every tree in his nine-acre orchard, including breadfruit, mango and bananas.  He spreads a 15-foot radius of mulch around each tree to a depth of four inches.

CSP, another vital component of the Farm Bill, focuses on rewarding farmers for their ongoing conservation efforts. Through this program, farmers in Kona are encouraged to adopt advanced conservation practices that enhance soil health, improve water quality and promote biodiversity. For the farmers of Kona, this has translated into innovative techniques such as integrated pest management, organic farming methods and habitat restoration projects.

By preserving and enriching the land, CSP has not only increased agricultural productivity but also nurtures a deep sense of pride and responsibility within the farming community. Tanaka recently completed his third year of his CSP contract, which includes mowing the herbaceous weeds in the roads around the farm. He has begun using the mowed weeds as mulch, including Guinea grass, which has worked very well.

Farm Bill programs have become lifelines for the farmers of Kona, empowering them to preserve their unique agricultural heritage while embracing sustainable practices for the future. The financial assistance provided through EQIP, and the incentives offered by CSP have made it possible for farmers to invest in cutting-edge technologies, organic farming methods, and improve soil health. In doing so, these programs have not only helped farmers thrive economically but have also preserved the pristine natural beauty of Kona, ensuring that the land continues to bear fruit for generations to come.

Empowering the Farmers of Kona

Tanaka’s journey indicates the importance of collaboration and support in shaping a greener future. The partnership between passionate farmers and organizations like NRCS Pacific Islands Area exemplifies the power of working hand-in-hand with nature, creating not just bountiful harvests but also a legacy of stewardship for generations to come.

NRCS and dedicated individuals like Tanaka help foster a healthier, more sustainable planet, one layer of mulch at a time. As a result of their dedication and support of these essential programs, Kona's agricultural landscape is not just thriving; it's blooming with promise and potential.

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