29th Annual Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers Conference – Kona

Posted on Oct 1, 2019 in Main

Sept. 28, 2019

The HTFG held it’s annual conference on Sept. 27 – 29 at the Kona Resort.

Tropical fruit growers from around the state gathered to discuss issues in their industry and also to learn more about programs and initiatives.

HDOA Chairperson, Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser addressed the group and also presented HTFG president Ken Love with a second installment check of $60,000 for a grant that will increase germplasm and availability of disease-free fruit trees to Hawaii growers.

Other presentations featured USDA, Brazilian fruits, legislation, little fire ants, post-harvest care and handling to extend shelf life, ulu, crop insurance, and market development and branding.

HDOA staff set up a booth and uring breaks, promoted the department and the industry. They registered at least five new businesses into the Hawaii Agricultural Products Database, which helps consumers and retailers find growers for particular commodities.

USDA’s deputy regional director for the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Brenda Hill and Gina Hidano, of the local NASS office; Matthew Goo and Mary Buest of USDA APHIS; and Lance Sakaino HDOA Plant Quaratine Branch, assisting with the distribution of the APHIS Stakeholder Registry information and Post-entry Permit Process Applications.

The big hit was the fruit tasting, which included great tropical fruits grown in the state.

For more information on the HTFG, go to: https://www.hawaiitropicalfruitgrowers.org/index.htm

A display table full of tropical fruits at the conference

HDOA Chairperson, Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser addresses the group.

HDOA chairperson, Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser (right), presents HTFG president, Ken Love, with a grant check.

HDOA’s Karen Sur and USDA NASS deputy regional director, Brenda Hill in front of the HDOA booth.