Mao Farms Organic Supply in High Demand

By Charlotte Marten and Jessica Hamamoto

Nationwide the demand for organic produce is rising and here in Hawaii one local farm is   meeting that demand. Ma’o farms a non profit organization in the Lualualei Valley, of Waianae is growing both certified organic vegetables and future’s for Hawaii’s local youth.

The creators of Ma’o farms are Gary Maunakea Forth and his wife Kukui. Together they have managed to weave in traditional Hawaiian philosophies of caring for the aina while at the same time creating a thriving business.

Ma’o Farms is one of only nine certified organic farms located on the island of Oahu. 90% of all organic produce is imported into Hawaii making locally grown produce an attractive product to consumers.

Recently there has been a shift  in where shoppers buy fresh fruits and vegetables, instead of going to the stores they are heading to the outdoor markets and Ma’o farms is there.

Underneath a forest green tent with bright yellow letters reading Ma’o a long table covered with a matching green cloth provides the support for a bounty of organic fruits and vegetables. The sweet smell of fresh basil and the earth perfumes the air as people arrive to buy the land’s supply.

The motto on the Ma’o farms t-shirt reads “No panic go Organic” and that seems to be the trend.