Richard Ha and his family own a 600 acre farm on the Big Island in Hamakua Springs. Here, they along with 70 full-time employees practice biodiversity by producing a variety of bananas, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, watercress, avocado, and citrus. All of the fruits and vegetables are produced using sustainably viable practices. For example, instead of spraying banana plants with pesticides, predatory wasps are allowed to nest inside of the banana groves to cut down on the amount of caterpillars that try to eat the fruit. Grass is allowed to grow around the roots of the banana trees to create a sponge-like effect that helps the plant absorb more water and fertilizer. When banana fruits begin to ripen, they are wrapped in pesticide-free plastic to protect them against pests.

421 Lama Street Hilo, Hawaii (808) 981-0805 www.hamakuasprings.com

By the Numbers

• 600 Acres of Hamakua Springs Farmland.
• 70 Full-time workers on the farm.
• 150 Acres of land leased to other farmers.
• 2004 - Year when Hamakua Springs expanded its crop offerings.
• 2 Types of bananas are grown in Hamakua Springs Farms.

Even the way the farm stays powered is sustainable by way of a flume system that supplies water to a newly built on-site generator for electricity. Rain water is captured on a rooftop and is stored in a reservoir for cooling and washing produce as well as powering a hydroponic system. Hydroponic farming is preferred since it ensures protection against pests and fungal growth while also reducing reliance on labor, land, and heavy machinery. Using hydroelectricity and solar power, the farm strives to soon be completely off the grid.

Hamakua Springs further encourages sustainability in leading by example and helping the rest of their community have access to farming. Currently they lease 150 acres to local farmers so that they too are able to grow their own crops for consumption and commerce. The farm is also open to new technology for farming including the possible use of drones to detect agricultural problems.

But at the end of the day, Richard Ha knows that the best form of sustainable farming comes in the awareness and activity from his customers. He encourages all Hawaii residents to buy local not only to support local farmers, but to ensure everyone the freshest, most natural products.

Produce from Hamakua Springs is available at most Hawaii-based supermarkets including Safeway, Costco, KTA Superstores, and Star Market; select produce is also exported internationally and to the mainland USA.

*This is a multi-part installment as part of the Hawaii Sustainable Agriculture Project. Learn more about the project and the 12 participants here.