Letters from Steve December 2020

By: Steve Frailey Monday December 28, 2020 comments Tags: organic farming, organic noni farm

Above is the vibrant green sea of noni trees that make up our front most orchard. Ending just before the pine trees which provide a protected and shaded nesting ground for our friends the albatross.

Excited to report that our latest nest count is now 18! Which means 36 birds have reunited and we have at least 6 albatross patiently awaiting their mate or in search of a new one. We've strung up some mistletoe to help things along as we are hoping for a few more nests this season! More on the albatross season here 

Celebrating Organics 

Did you know that 2020 is the 30^th anniversary of the Organic Foods Production Act (1990 Farm Bill)?

Why is this so important you might ask? This Act brought into existence the NOP (National Organic Program) and the USDA standardization for organic labels and organic farming practices.

An even bigger milestone in 2021 will be the 50^th anniversary of the organic movement of farmers and conscious eaters to create and protect an alternative to chemical agriculture.

My family’s history with organics began in the mid 70’s, with my wife and I starting the 20-acre Chrysalis Organic Farm in Valley Center, California growing 8 acres of apples and pears plus 8 acres of vegetables. 

This was long before any certifications or organic standards were regulated and inspected by the USDA. There was a lot of “learning from experience” and it became quickly apparent that there were many “theories” on what was truly organic or not organic.

With our move to Kauai in 1982, my family started growing with the addition of 3 beautiful children and the creation of Hawaiian Organic Noni on our 70-acre certified organic noni farm.

The Cornucopia Institute has a very good article honoring the 30th anniversary of the Organic Foods Production Act.  Click here to read more from another organic farmer about the history of the organic movement 

History of Organic Farming 

The word "organic" refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. The Organic Foods Production Act in  1990 led way to the creation of the National Organic Program (NOP) in 2000 which established national standards for organic products.

Did you know? A USDA Organic seal identifies raw, fresh, and processed products with at least 95% organic ingredients.
More on organics here 

What is a Noni Fruit 

Morinda citrifolia, aka Noni is a tropical tree in the coffee family. Noni trees produce a fruit that is oval in shape and when  mature can measure from 3-7 inches. Noni was one of the "27 canoe" plants brought to Hawaii by the early Polynesians.

Did you know? There are six varieties of noni trees worldwide. However, only one variety is truly medicinal.
Learn more here 

Health is Wealth: Healthy Holiday Food Swaps 

Healthy eating is easier than one may think. By adjusting just a  few foods, you can make a big impact on your health. 

One easy swap: Instead of store bought bottled salad dressing, make your own. This gives you complete control of flavor (no artificials please), fat (the good kind), and only the freshest ingredients. Have you tried our Noni Thousand Island Dressing? 
Click here for healthy food swaps

Our Christmas Day here on Kauai was a beautiful Hawaiian day with warm 70 degree temparatures and sunny with passing showers. Santa Claus left some beautiful orchids for my wife and daughters. I hope everyone had a relaxing, peaceful, festive and healthy day with many more to come in the upcoming New Year!

About the Author: Steve Frailey

My wife and I (Steve Frailey) moved to Kauai, Hawaii in 1982 from our organic farm in California. There were no roads, electricity, water or buildings but lots of Noni trees (Morinda Citrifolia) in our valley. We also developed a deep relationship with Noni that was growing all through our valley.  Today we run our Hawaiian Organic Noni farm, and share the gift of health with people throughout the world.