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On Saturday, July 18, Upcountry Sustainability presented the first in a series of local farm tours, providing an opportunity for residents to explore three Kula farms and meet the farmers who keep things growing. Farm tour participants visited Coca Farm with Gil, Kupa‘a Farm with Simpson and Ross, and ‘Ö‘ō Farm with Clark.

Kula farmer Gil learned how to work the fields of Coca Farm simply by finding out what works—and what doesn’t. His trial-and-error education began more than 10 years ago, when he decided to forgo the considerable income he earned as an auto mechanic to pursue a career as an organic farmer.

“Out of 11 siblings, I am the only farmer,” he said. “My family asked me why? and I just said, ‘That’s what I want to do.’”

And it is evident that Gil is content with his decision; throughout the hour-long tour, he could barely contain his excitement as he displayed the fruits of his labor. From lettuce and corn to strawberries and watermelon, Gil sows, tills and harvests acres of fruits and vegetables alongside his father and brother, using only 100 percent organic products—no pesticides, color additives or hormones.

“I don’t believe in using chemicals,” he said. “It’s bad for the human body, and bad for the Earth.”

Gil has discovered natural ways to combat pests, drought and weather, and uses “old-fashioned” farming techniques, such as hoeing and tilling by hand and chasing pests out on foot. The life of an organic farmer can be arduous and thankless profession, he said, as it is often difficult to sell organic produce that does not look like the “conventional” fruits and vegetables that line a store’s shelves. Despite the challenges, Gil is dedicated to his career—and his harvest.

“It’s not about making money; it’s about doing the right thing,” he said.

Just a few miles down Kula Highway, Ross runs the award-winning Kupa‘a Farm with his wife, Simpson. Kupa‘a Farm is a leading example of how organic farming can be a success. Ross and Simpson grow a variety of seasonal crops on their four-acre farm, and offer residents a “one-stop shopping” opportunity to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables straight from the source—eliminating the need to sell their harvest to grocery stores, restaurants or at farmers’ markets.

The afternoon continued with a guided tour by Clark, manager of the 8.5-acre ‘Ö‘ō Farm in Kula. ‘Ö‘ō Farm is a diversified organic farm owned and operated by Pacific‘o and I‘o restaurants, and features gourmet lunch tours showcasing a “farm-to-table culinary journey.” From green leafy vegetables to herbs and flowers, the farm is an example of “agritourism,” allowing visitors to experience “ecologically sound and biodynamic principles” on a working organic farm.

Upcountry Sustainability is a group of residents who gather each week to present and discuss grassroots efforts designed to promote sustainable initiatives for the Upcountry region. While they explore a wide range of topics, Upcountry Sustainability members place an emphasis on the issues of locally-grown food, locally-produced building materials, water conservation and renewable energy.

Upcountry Sustainability meets every Monday evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Haleakalā Waldorf School’s Christopher Hall. On Monday, July 27, from 5 to 8 p.m., the group will convene in the Multi-purpose Room at the Pukalani Aquatic Center to discuss the Review Draft of the Upcountry District Final Candidate Strategy Report. For more information, visit upcountrysustainability.wordpress.com.

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