POIPU — The new slate of Kauai Farm Bureau officers and board of directors represents more than 200 years of combined farming experience, said Jerry Ornellas, outgoing president. “Today, we call issues challenges,” Ornellas said. “But we don’t have challenges,
POIPU — The new slate of Kauai Farm Bureau officers and board of directors represents more than 200 years of combined farming experience, said Jerry Ornellas, outgoing president.
“Today, we call issues challenges,” Ornellas said. “But we don’t have challenges, we have problems.”
Ornellas said the four biggest problems facing the farm bureau are hogs capable of wiping out crops; the ring-necked green parakeet, which poses threats to a variety of crops; predation of crops by endangered species; and the misperception of agriculture by the uninformed.
President Laurie Ho takes over the reins from Ornellas, who becomes the vice president. She has a vision of the Kauai Farm Bureau building and maintaining partnerships with government agencies, community groups and individuals.
Johnny Gordines, president of the Hawaii Tropical Flowers and Foliage Association, fills the secretary position and continues his passion of growing and exporting the island’s and state’s flowers and nursery plants. Ryan Oyama takes over as treasurer. Board of Directors include Dr. Adam Asquith, Joseph Dunsmoor, Scott MacFarland, Rodney Haraguchi, Roy Oyama, Joey Silva and Randy Uyehara.
During the festivities, the Kauai Farm Bureau Scholarship Committee presented the recipients of this year’s four scholarships of $1,000 each.
Madeline Rausch, and Chad Andrade were presented the agricultural scholarships. Angela Dunsmoor-Conner, daughter of Joseph Dunsmoor, and Marissa Goo, daughter of Roland Goo, were presented the Farm Family scholarships.
