The event was called “Adding Value and Profit to your Farm Operation”. Reggie Knox and Eric Winder were able to create this workshop because of a grant they received at California FarmLink from the Education Division of the Risk Management agency of the USDA. Reggie had owned an 11 acre organic farm for four years. He is passionate about helping farmers. They are knowledgable of succession planting, leases and purchases and creative financing for farmers.
On arrival we were met by Pomai Weigert and Harrison. We split into two groups for the walking tour.
Eric Winder
Lani Weigert gave a wonderful presentation about how they grew the business and how they received a Value-added Grant.
We all proceed to Naalae Road for the Watanabe Vegetable Processing tour.
Heidi told the story of their farm where they provide fresh cut fruits and vegetables for local hotels schools and other markets. They grow lettuces, leeks, cabbage and more for over 28 years on this land in Kula.
Reggie Knox
After the tours, everyone headed back to meet Market Fresh Bistro owners Chef Justin Pardo, his sister Olivia Coletti and David Magenheim. Excellent local food was being prepared while we listened to presentations by Ken Love of Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers about jams, jellies, sauces, the basics of navigating start-up and regulations, packaging ideas, product ideas and more. Vincent Mina showed us the story of his green sprouts operations from conception to the present. Susan Wyche, University of Hawaii spoke of the millions of dollars she was able to obtain for Maui Community College through her Grant writing in the last 8 months and offered to assist others in the process. Lynn Alborino Food and Drug Inspector; Layne Belen Sanitation Inspector Hawaii Dept. of Health gave helpful information on Food Safety.
Eric wrapped it up with a slide show about creative financing strategies and Grants. We had some questions and then it was time for Justin to present the food. I was starving… At 5:30 PM Justin gave a short but passionate talk about why he insists on using local ingredients and supporting the farmers on our island. He told the story of how he got started in New York City and did all the shopping at farmer’s markets. He was so appreciative of the farmers that drove two hours from the country to deliver their beautiful food to the city for sale to chefs and the public. At Market Fresh Bistro they are nearly 85-95% local. That is terriffic!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes, it was really an informative workshop and so good to see you. Your blog looks fantastic and I love what you are doing. I remember you taking the photo of the food just before you plunged into your plate. It tasted as good as it looked and was so satisfying. And, look how simple to do local dinner that is healthy too. Thanks for being my dinner partner. My best to you and Maui County Farm Tours! Chef Teton
Susan, I’m so glad I took that last photo of Justin’s wonderful food. Otherwise I wouldn’t have any to share Market Fresh Bistro! That beautiful salad platter, the quinoa and broccolini, the meatballs and brownies were incredible. Let’s have the farm-to-table dinner soon.
Value adding is a popular thing to do on farms here although I’m not sure if they get grants to do it here. I think it really helps them out too! 🙂
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella recently posted..Gjelina, Venice, Los Angeles, USA
Hawaii is an abundant place. We gave so much potential for Added-Value products, Lorraine. Creativity, ingenuity and persistence… We’re seeing new ideas every day.
Marilyn recently posted..Up-Country Photo Farm Tour
Thank you Marilyn for taking such nice pics and for the wrap-up of the day. It was a nice workshop and it was great to hear all the different farmers and food folks on Maui that came by. I hope it was as informative to attendees as it was to us!
We hope to keep in touch if our work brings us back to your beautiful island.
Thanks and great to meet you,
Eric
Eric, that would be awesome! You put together a great workshop. Congratulations on your Grant and the future. You are helping so many people. I’m sure you’ll be blessed.
Marilyn recently posted..Up-Country Photo Farm Tour
thanks to everyone who packed into our petite bistro to hear the great info these guys had to offer! and thank you marilyn for being our professor of archives for the event.
that’s usually my job, but i was a bit too crazed that evening….
Olivia, I was honored to create this post about your wonderful Bistro. (“Market Fresh Bistro”) You guys are so terrific to close down operations for this noteworthy event by your California friends Eric and Reggie.