Mahi Pono, Maui’s largest agricultural company has brilliantly pivoted key infrastructure operations in response to the coronavirus and changing economic demands.
The past 12 months affected every facet of the way Mahi Pono operated. From rising shipping rates and in-field crop management COVID-19 safety protocols to halted produce demand, the foundation of the company’s success greatly impact by pandemic.
The Mahi Pono executive team has shifted their business model to focus on cultivating an array of locally grown crops, sustainable for future generations with the long term goal of reducing the need to import produce.
Mahi Pono spent 2020 forming their new vision for the future of Maui and the company. The even began to lay the foundation and frame work for a sustainable Maui.
Through the pandemic, Mahi Pono realized crop diversification is essential to a sustainable Maui. Pre-covid, they initially intended to produce one signature crop, but is now focusing growing a local variety of crops unique to Maui’s climate.
In a community effort, Mahi Pono is proud to announce their newest initiative in Chef’s Corner. It is their latest innovative strategy in a community farms , which rents parcels to local farmers. Recent harvest include watermelon, broccolini, kale and green beans.
Watermelon was a real hit and pleasant surprise to farmers. Most were sold locally at farmer’s markets, while the remainder was shipped to the Big Island. When crops like watermelon find success, the yield will be scaled and grown on a bigger parcel next year for a bigger harvest.
Mahi Pono also has identified a few potential hit with large commercial clientele. They have learned beans, broccolini, and kale grow well, but will have to wait for tourism demand to return for hotels and restaurants to purchase.
Mahi Pono will also rent out “farm ready” parcels to farmers including water, to local growers for $150 per acre a year. There are 14 tentative agreements with farmers on small businesses. Plans for phase 2.
Despite the major pivot in business operations, Mahi Pono has volunteered in the community and taken care of its employees. They donated 60,000 pounds of produce to local nonprofits like the Maui Food Bank, Hawaii Foodbank and Chef Hui.
The company went from 150 employees at the start of 2020 to about 260 employees at the beginning of this year.
Mahi Pono will plant more than 3,500 new acres of crops in 2021.
Mahi Pono 2021 Farm Plan at a Glance
Crops already in the ground:
- Citrus
- Coffee
- Potato
- Onions
- Papaya
- Avocado
Planting this year:
- 3,500 more acres of citrus.
- 150 more acres of coffee.
- Replanting onions and potatoes.
- 20 more acres of papaya.
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