Wai'aha Farm |
Was a medium scale sustainability model on 100 acres, in Holualoa on the Big Island of Hawaii. The farm was a model of sustainable agriculture with a focus on food diversity, community integration and agriculture education. Waiaha was unique in the fact that it was developed as a commercially viable farm based on permaculture principles. We relied on rotational management of crops and animals for our soil fertility and soil building. We highly valued diversity and had over 100 varieties of perennial fruit trees and shrubs.
The farm was host to the 2010 Big Island Body & Soil Conference and was an example of the inherent viability of the Hawaiian Islands to provide the majority of the food consumed on the island. The farm produced over 80% of the food needs for its residents plus enough to supplement farm expenses. The farm had a wide variety of integrated flora and fauna both with a focus on native and climate appropriate species . The animal systems included poultry, ducks, rabbits, milking sheep and goats, pigs and bees. The farm collected and utilized waste streams in the community from restaurants, events and other ag projects for soil building, bio fuel production and animal feed. Steve acted as farm manager during the entire project and helped design, implement and manage the project from start to finish. |