The completely sustainable system uses micro-organisms found naturally in local soils to convert organic materials into minerals and nutrients plants can utilize, eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers. The same method allows livestock farmers to produce animal feed on-site, raising chickens, pigs and cows without foul odors.

Cho's method has been used with great success in more than 32 countries including Korea, according to Mike DuPonte, extension agent with the University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR).

"Farms using natural farming no longer have to purchase expensive fertilizers and use significantly less water" said DuPonte. "The method developed by Master Cho over four decades can reduce costs by as much as 60 percent, providing a healthy business model for small and large farms.

"Widespread natural farming may revive the agricultural industry and allow it to once again be a major contributor to our State's economy," DuPonte said.

The workshops are presented by Cho Global Natural Farming-USA and sponsored by the Hawaii FFA Foundation, Partners in Development Foundation-Kohala Intergenerational Center, the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture, Ulupono Initiative and Kamehameha Schools. Times and locations are as follows:

O`AHU

Wednesday, April 28th

Plant agriculture

9am to 4pm

Windward Community College

Hale Akoakoa 105

45-720 Kea`ahala Road

Registration: $60, including lunch

HAWAI'I ISLAND

Saturday May 1st.

Plant agriculture

9am to 4pm

Kohala Intergenerational Center

North Kohala

54-3853 Akoni Pule Hwy.

Sunday May 2nd

Livestock agriculture

8:30 am to noon

Kohala Intergenerational Center

North Kohala

54-3853 Akoni Pule Hwy.

Registration: $75 for both days; lunch included on Saturday.

To register early, contact Leanne Okamoto at (808) 938-5398 or Erika Cedillos at (808) 884-5838. Onsite registration is available between 8am and 9am on a first come, first served basis.