Local Food Market Grows!

By Roger Harris & Diane Koerner

Partaking in the locally-grown food movement is ultra important to our island’s sustainability, and also part of a growing nationwide trend, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA recently reported that U.S. sales of "local foods," whether sold directly to consumers at farmers markets or through grocery stores or restaurants, amounted to $4.8 billion in 2008 and will nearly double to over $7 billion in sales this year. How can Big Islanders ride this lucrative wave?

The USDA report notes that the local food movement is dominated by fruit and vegetable growers… perfect for our year-round growing season. So, whether you’re a seller or a consumer, take advantage of our island’s growing number of Farmer’s Markets, held at various locations every day of the week.

According to USDA surveys, people flock to Farmer’s Markets for produce that is fresher, grown with fewer chemicals, and by smaller, less corporate farms. That may be true in some cases and not in others, so talk to the sellers at the booths and ask where their produce is grown if there is no signage.

"Local" doesn’t necessarily mean "certified organic," a label that carries strict requirements for growers and is overseen by the Agriculture Department. Some farmers choose instead to grow naturally or bio-dynamically without the attendant red tape and regulations. Again, getting to know your farmer is important to know your food and what goes into it.

Another important question to ask if you’re purchasing fruit such as papayas, is whether the product is genetically-modified or from non-GMO trees and plants. The health hazards of GM crops to both people and the environment are being widely reported, while labeling laws are slow in coming, so once again you need to ask the farmer.

A FARMER’S MARKET WITH HAWAIIAN FLAVOR

Farmer’s Markets aren’t just about coconut juice, papayas and bananas anymore… they’re a venue to enjoy our island culture.

A popular new Farmer’s Market is held on Wednesdays from 5 to 9 p.m. at Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar (next to the Kalapana Village Cafe) at the end of the road (Hwy. 137) in Kaimu. Come for the great food and stay for the live entertainment. Besides enjoying a glass of awa, you can load up on fresh produce and freshly made local grinds, while enjoying local music.

“It’s always very special going to the end of the road,” said Sylvie Gendron, a nature guide and massage therapist. “At Uncle Robert’s Farmer’s Market, you get a taste of Hawaiian culture along with deliciously prepared foods and all kinds of fresh fruit, veggies, jewelry, and other crafts.” Tables are set up for those who want to linger and enjoy the music and hula performances.

Get there early (carpooling if possible) both to park close by, advised Gendron, and to enjoy the short hike over the 1/3-mile lava trail to enjoy the island’s newest black sand beach. Near the site of the beautiful Kaimu black sand beach that was overflowed with lava in 1990, it has been nicknamed Coconut Beach because of all the keiki coconuts planted there, both as offerings and to transform the new beach to its former beauty.

You’ll also want to arrive early to get a seat for dinner, drinks and entertainment. The seats fill up and the food sells out, but no worries, you can still enjoy the music and dancing until 9 p.m.