Maui Gold Pineapple launches reef-friendly program with Maui Nui Resource Council and SoilThrive Hawaii, LLC
KAHULUI—Maui Gold Pineapple announced on Wednesday the creation of a test plot to pilot Maui Nui Marine Resource Council’s (MNMRC) Reef-Friendly Landscaping program at their farm in Hali‘imaile, according to a press release from the company.
This collaboration aims to complement reef-friendly practices already in place at the farm and increase Maui Gold’s commitment to protect the island’s coral reefs and coastal ecosystems. On Wednesday, May 8, a test plot launch was hosted by Maui Gold and MNMRC at the farm, with County of Maui Mayor Richard Bissen and Hawai‘i State Senator Lynn DeCoite among the guests supporting the initiative in attendance.
“We are thrilled to join forces with the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council to pioneer this Reef-Friendly Landscaping initiative on our farm,” said Darren Strand, director of agriculture at Maui Gold Pineapple. “As stewards of the land, we have always recognized the importance of protecting our coastal ecosystems. Continuing to implement more reef-friendly practices at Maui Gold is one way to show our commitment to sustainability and responsible land management.”
The Reef-Friendly Landscaping program focuses on minimizing chemical pollution and runoff from agricultural and residential areas that may harm marine life and coral reefs. The plot at Maui Gold will be treated with a biological soil amendment, which is a liquid filled with nutrients and microbes that will nourish crops while enriching the soil at the same time. Made locally by natural land-care company SoilThrive Hawaii, LLC, the amendment will be applied to the plot via a custom delivery system specifically designed for Maui Gold Pineapple. SoilThrive will also conduct 19 types of soil testing and crop monitoring in the test plot throughout the pilot period.
“We are excited to have Maui Gold Pineapple pilot our Reef-Friendly
Landscaping program on their farm,” said Jill Wirt, program director at Maui Nui Marine Resource Council. “They are the first agricultural business to partner with us. We know the program’s success on their farm will demonstrate how agricultural businesses of all sizes can thrive while driving positive change for Maui’s land and reefs.”
Maui Gold Pineapple and MNMRC invite the community to learn more about their partnership and the Reef-Friendly Landscaping program at mauireefs.org/rfl and mauigold.com.