US (HI): Kauai CC sells more than $25,000 of produce

Ueli Muller, manager of Kaua'i Community College’s Aquaponics program, announced that since 2013, the College has sold over $25,000 of produce and honey cultivated in its Aquaponics and Apiary facilities at the Kaua'i Community Market. The Market, held every Saturday in the campus front parking lot from 9:30 am – 1:00 pm, was voted Best Farmer’s Market every year since 2012. Frequented by visitors from other islands, states and countries, with residents of all ages and from all parts of the island, it has become a gathering place where healthy, freshly produced food is abundant and ready to take home and enjoy.

Muller reported that over the years Kaua'i CC’s Aquaponics facility has successfully grown and sold ten different kinds of lettuces, including butter head, types of romaine, summer crisp varieties, and oak leaf; mizuna; mint; watercress; arugula; cilantro; napa cabbage; red cabbage; varieties of beets; fennel; varieties of basil; and tatsoi. “Thanks to all my team members and volunteers who have assisted me over the years and put in so much work and dedication to the cause,” said Muller. Every week he, with staff, can be seen at the Market busily making sales and teaching customers about where and how the items are grown. The income from sales is used to purchase supplies for the Aquaponics and Apiary programs.

“I commend Muller, his staff, and members of the Apiary Program for their diligent efforts, which have brought us to this impressive level,” said Helen Cox, Kaua'i CC Chancellor. “We are proud of our programs and weekly presence at the Kaua'i Community Market,” she said.

Aquaponics and Apiary classes will continue to be held via Kaua'i CC’s Office of Continuing Education and Training (OCET). “Backyard farming has indeed a place in agriculture sustainability,” said OCET director Calvin Shirai.

“Kaua'i CC is a place where we are promoting a lifestyle that is sustainable—where growing our own food is a way of life,” said Chancellor Cox. “We support agriculture as a viable industry for Kaua'i and members of the community who love to garden and want to grow their own food,” she said.

For more information:
www.hawaii.edu