Adaptations
About the Farm
Adaptations is a certified organic farm in South Kona that has been cultivating regenerative agricultural systems since 1979. The farm grows a diverse range of food and medicinal plants, including ʻawa, gotu kola, ʻōlena, yellow ginger, cinnamon, māmaki, tulsi, lemon balm and other medicinal crops. Its mission brings together organic farming, alternative energy and complementary medicine
The Challenge
Increasingly intense rainfall has made outdoor production more difficult, forcing Adaptations to change crops several times over the years. Covered growing space has become essential for protecting crops and controlling water, but the farm’s existing greenhouse was already at capacity while a second 20-by-30-foot greenhouse had lost its roof and was no longer functional.
How Mālama Da Farmer Grant Helped
Through the Mālama Da Farmer Grant, Adaptations received funding to rebuild its 20-by-30-foot greenhouse with a stronger, longer-lasting structure designed for medicinal plant production. The project also supported labor for cultivation, harvesting and preparing farm products for market and value-added production.
Impact
The new protected growing space will allow Adaptations to increase production of gotu kola and other medicinal plants while providing greater protection from heavy rains and pests and more control over irrigation. The additional production will help the farm meet existing demand, strengthen the supply of locally grown medicinal plants and value-added products, and support its agricultural workforce.
Hear Their Story
Hear from Maureen and Tane Datta about their farm and what the Mālama Da Farmer Grant made possible.
Video by Nixon Jack
