Pollinator Use and Management: Training in Sustainable Practices for Ag Professionals

Project Overview

EW13-010
Project Type: Professional Development Program
Funds awarded in 2013: $65,386.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2016
Region: Western
State: Hawaii
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Ethel Villalobos
University of Hawaii

Annual Reports

Information Products

Commodities

  • Fruits: apples, apricots, avocados, berries (blueberries), berries (brambles), berries (cranberries), berries (other), berries (strawberries), cherries, citrus, melons, peaches, pears, plums
  • Nuts: almonds, macadamia
  • Vegetables: peppers, sweet potatoes
  • Additional Plants: herbs, native plants, ornamentals
  • Animals: bees

Practices

  • Crop Production: cover crops, application rate management
  • Education and Training: farmer to farmer, workshop
  • Farm Business Management: value added
  • Natural Resources/Environment: biodiversity, habitat enhancement
  • Pest Management: cultural control, genetic resistance, integrated pest management, physical control, mulching - plastic
  • Production Systems: organic agriculture
  • Sustainable Communities: partnerships, urban agriculture

    Abstract:

    Our project involves the creation and delivery of information about pollinators in Hawaii. Our target audiences are farmer, beekeepers, Ag Professionals that work in close contact with the stakeholders. We have been working on multiple fronts including creating educational materials, print and web, with an emphasis on local practices, climatic singularities, and cultural preferences. We foster communication between local growers and beekeepers, and we try to create public awareness about pollinator health and conservation.

    Project objectives:

    The original objectives from the grant are:

    1- a series of educational workshops on pollinator and pollinator friendly farming techniques,

    2- a series of printed materials that can be distributed to agents and eventually used to educate growers,

    3- a website where agents and stakeholders across Hawaii and the Pacific region can access and download educational materials on pollinators and pollinator friendly farming strategies,

    4- online courses for agents and stakeholders illustrating beekeeping practices and pesticide reduction strategies for vine crops.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.