The Kupa’a Philosophy:
We at Kupa’a farms are passionate about growing, providing and enjoying delicious organic produce that is abundant in nutrition and flavor.
Soil is the heart of all agricultural operations. We do our best to keep our soil alive and healthy and work hard to limit the amount of erosion through the use of regenerative agricultural techniques. Daily practices include the use of mulch, compost, compost tea, cover crops, perennial vegetative barriers and by avoiding bare soil fallow.
ABOUT THE FARM.
humble beginnings.
Since 2003, owners Gerry Ross & Janet Simpson have been malama ka ‘aina (caring for the land). With Gerry's PhD in Earth Science & thirst for knowledge, he has been amending and transforming dirt devoid of life into healthy, microbial-diverse soil thanks to his home-made compost & compost tea. Janet, with her knowledge of coffee, has helped make Kupa'a Farms a State-wide award winning coffee producer.
Our 6 acre farm, located at 1900' elevation on the slopes of Haleakala, Maui, grows a wide range of organic vegetables, fruits and award winning coffee.
In Hawaiian, Kupa’a means “to make firm”. The name was chosen to reflect the solid, life-giving practices that we use to grow our food.
We are committed to providing a diverse, seasonal, and locally-grown palette of food for our community.
ABOUT THE FARMERS.
JANET SIMPSON & GERRY ROSS
Canadian born with coffee in her blood, Janet's story began in Calgary, Alberta in 1990. Together with her twin sister Judy, they opened Cochrane Coffee Traders - a coffee roasting company 15 miles outside Calgary in the town of Cochrane. Within a year, the thriving coffee company transformed into a bustling cafe for locals and cowboys looking for lattes and espresso.
While Janet was busy with the cafe, Gerry, an American-born geologist living in Cochrane, was hard at work with the Geological Survey of Canada. On weekends, he would cycle regularly in multicolor lycra tights, finishing his rides with a "Banana Buzz" (banana, ice cream, and double shot of espresso) from Janet's cafe. It wasn't long before the two fell in love.
In the summer of 1997, Janet's parents, who already lived and owned the asparagus & corn farm on Maui, came to visit Gerry & Janet in Cochrane. During this visit they noticed a 'for sale' ad for a coffee farm in Kona on Janet & Gerry's fridge. After further inquiry, they learned it was a dream of Janet & Gerry's to escape the -40 degree winters and start a coffee farm. Later that evening, their dream was born when Janet's parents offered the venturesome couple to move to Maui and make Kupa'a Farms their own.
In 1998, on one of their annual trips to the Island, Janet & Gerry planted their first coffee trees. In 2002 Janet & Judy sold their booming coffee company and by summer of 2003, Janet & Gerry left their busy city lives - bound for Kupa'a Farms.
want kupa’a produce?
Visit the Maui Hub at the link below to order weekly produce.
Look for items from Earth Heart at Kupa’a Farms - thanks for your support!
VolunteER opportunities.
Have you ever wanted to experience what it's like to live like a farmer? Are you friendly, hard-working & keen to learn? How much can you bench press? (Haha, just kidding.) Not really though :)
If so, Kupa'a Farms offers valuable and engaging work trade opportunities; space is limited however. We prefer long term stays with a minimum commitment of one month.
For more information contact Gerry at lavaboy458@gmail.com.