Alexander & Baldwin (A&B), general manager Rick Volner spoke at the Maui Energy Conference las week.  The main topic of his presentation was the possibility of new agriculture on the former sugar can plantations that are now fallow.

Some possibilities include biodiesel producing tree orchards, coffee and cacao cops, and livestock irrigated pastures. With agricultural land use decreasing due to development and fallow areas becoming difficult to reutilize, A&B realizes they face many challenges.

Rick Volner hopes that by diversifying the agriculture the state can reach its goal of food and fuel self-sufficiency.  More announcements are expected to be made in the near future.

To read this article in its entirety via the Maui News here.