“Grow Organic” Workshop to be sponsored by Down to Earth Feb. 8th

Down to Earth

Honolulu, HI (Jan. 14, 2014) - The Hawaii Organic Farming Association (HOFA) will host “Grow Organic: A One Day Hands-on Organic Event" on Saturday, February 8, at the Kualoa Ranch in Kaneohe, Oahu from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. “Grow Organic” features a hands-on workshop where participants can learn first-hand about organic soil practices from farm expert, Jon Biloon.

Keynote Speaker, State Representative Jessica Wooley, head of the House Agriculture Committee, will address current agricultural issues in Hawaii and the positive impact that small organic farms and local food systems can play. Attendees will hear about actions they can take now to further organic agriculture in Hawaii.

There will also be a “Seed & Plant Exchange” in which attendees are encouraged to bring seeds, plants, or cuttings to participate. Afterwards, all are invited to join HOFA’s visioning general membership meeting, led by HOFA’s president, Mark Fergusson.

Admission is $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Those who renew their HOFA membership or become a HOFA member by January 31, 2014, can attend for free. Admission for the daylong event includes a catered lunch by Down to Earth Organic & Natural. The deadline for advance online registration is February 6th.

“Real food security for Hawaii means to grow foods organically and sustainable,” says Mark Fergusson, President of the HOFA Board of Directors. “HOFA supports organics by advocating for, educating about, and assisting organic and sustainable agriculture in Hawaii.  This event marks HOFA’s first major event since its transformation from a long history as an organic certification organization to its new mission to serve organic farming and educate the general public about organic agriculture.“

Hawaii Organic Farming Association (HOFA) is a non-profit membership organization that supports organic and sustainable agriculture through advocacy, education, and assistance, representing a wide variety of organizations including Seeds of Truth, Label it Hawaii, Hawaii Farmers Union United, Vegetarian Society of Hawaii, Kona Coffee Farmers Association, Asia-Pacific Center for Regenerative Design, GMO-Free Oahu, and GMO-Free Maui.

HOFA’s mission is to further organic and sustainable agriculture, land care, and lifestyles in Hawaii, thus giving meaning and life to our state motto “Ua mau ke ea o ka āina I ka pono,” “The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness.”

For further information or to register, call 808-322-6633 or visit: https://hawaiiorganic.org/news-events/