Hawai'i Sustainable Farms

Objectives and Priorities for Our Agroforestry

Discover our organic farms producing top-tier avocados and star fruits.

Our initial Objectives and Priorities for agroforestry on our family farm is as follows:

a. To help combat climate change by adding trees for carbon sequestration. Forests are the most efficient natural system for pulling carbon dioxide (CO2) out of the atmosphere. This means that healthy forests are a powerful, natural helper in mitigating and adapting to climate change. Our hemp alley cropping cover crop is also beneficial for soil remediation, and carbon sequestration.

b. To increase revenue by growing trees on our certified organic farm (certified organic by Oregon Tilth) that produce edible fruits that can be sold on Maui as well as donated to the Maui Food Bank and local schools or assisted living facilities.

c. To demonstrate the abilities of farmers with disabilities as an encouragement to others.

We are projecting this plan covering the next five years.  We will reevaluate the plan annually using the Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) cycle of continuing improvement. We know that our plans will change over time, and we will go back and adjust our projections accordingly.

Join us in our sustainable journey!

Why a Micro-dairy on Maui?

According to the Honolulu Civic Beat, “there used to be 160 dairies in Hawai'i. Only two remain, and one plans to close, meaning Hawai'i could end up importing all its milk.” Neither of these dairies produces or distributes organic A2/A2 milk. The KOA Micro-Dairy will be a small dairy business operated by Hawai'i Sustainable Farm (HSF) with raw milk provided by Maui Mini-Jersey Farm (MMJF) that it pasteurizes for consumption.  HSF will produce fully organic milk, cheese, yogurt, and kefir, a fermented milk drink, cultured from kefir grains. These organic alternatives to what’s currently available to Maui residents will provide residents with healthy choices they do not currently enjoy.  Just a few of our MMJF cows can still produce up to 20 gallons of milk per day in a way that makes economic and environmental sense.  

Hawai'i Sustainable Farms has received a grant from the USDA-AMS to purchase equipment to set up the micro-dairy processing facility for the milk produced by Maui Mini-Jersey Farm (MMJF) cows. There were no mini-jersey cows in the State of Hawai'i, so MMJF purchased quality, A2/A2 genetically certified cows from Rosewood Mini-Jersey Farm in Kansas and had three calves trucked to LAX and then airlifted first to Honolulu, for a health exam and then on to Maui. Quite a trip for the little ladies, but a vet check closely following their arrival showed them to be in good health.

Visit: Rosewood Mini-Jersey Farm

Explore our premium A2/A2 milk, sourced from our cherished Jersey cows. Fresh, healthy, and delicious.

Kula Organic A-2 (KOA) Micro-dairy

Let's talk about milk...what is A1 and A2 Milk?

Beta-casein is a protein that makes up 30% of milk protein and comes in two forms: A1 and A2. Most commercially available cow's milk is a mixture of both A1 and A2 beta-casein (A2/A1). However, Maui Mini-Jersey Cows have been bred for, and have been genetically tested, to produce only A2/A2 milk. 

A2/A2 milk may be easier to digest for people who are sensitive to the A1 beta-casein protein, which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Studies suggest that A2/A2 milk may reduce inflammation in the body, potentially benefiting people with conditions like arthritis and Crohn's disease. Some research indicates that A2/A2 milk may be associated with a lower risk of certain chronic diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and heart disease. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings.

A2/A2 milk may have a slightly higher protein content than regular milk, which can be beneficial for athletes and people who want to increase their protein intake and similar to regular milk, A2/A2 milk is a good source of essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and potassium. 

Note: It's important to note that we are making no claims regarding the medical benefits of our milk as the evidence supporting the health benefits of A2/A2 milk is still limited. More research is needed to confirm these potential benefits. However, we can say that it is the only milk that we drink, and it is delicious!

Hawai'i Sustainable Farms

Family-run organic farms growing avocados, star fruits, mangoes and A2/A2 milk in Hawaii.

Contact us

info@hawaiisustainablefarms.com

+1-808-298-9228