Elmer Viernes, accompanied by his wife Ailyn, tends to the expansive, verdant acreage of Elmer’s Farm, nestled in the lush environment of Kaua’i, Hawaii. An embodiment of agricultural commitment and a wealth of knowledge passed down from his familial roots in the Philippines, Viernes delves into sustainable practices and meticulous organization on his 70 to 85 acres of land, nourishing a wide array of crops.
Asian vegetables, notably those which cater to the distinct palate preferences of the locale, dominate the produce array in Elmer’s agricultural expanse. Such produce encompasses ginger, papaya, long beans, and eggplant, all cultivated with an astute awareness of the ecosystem and reverence for traditional farming methodologies.
Sustainable, intentional farming practices are notably evidenced through Elmer’s innovative “papaya plunger technique.” A methodology that allows for the cautious extraction of ripe papayas, it safeguards the tree from harm during the picking process, mirroring his holistic approach toward agricultural stewardship.
Furthermore, the farm renders itself a hub for myriad unique produce types, not conventionally found in the region. With Viernes himself elaborating on the specialty of certain crops, he illustrates: “You can put it [swordspins] in the grill, you can fry, you can eat it along with fish.”
While the farm’s crops are disseminated to various outlets on the island, ensuring that the freshness and quality are accessible to a broad demographic, Elmer and Ailyn make personal deliveries to certain vendors, “Our vegetables and produce we deliver [to] Big Save,” states Elmer, highlighting a direct-to-retailer approach in certain instances. Furthermore, the intrinsic familial essence of the farm is accentuated not merely in its operational and logistics aspects, but also in its core philosophy, permeating through every meticulously cultivated crop and harvested yield.
Beyond the tangible aspects of agriculture, Viernes encapsulates a philosophy tethered to resilience, perseverance, and a deep-seated respect for the land, reflecting a nuanced blend of practical and ethical considerations in his agricultural practice. Despite this, the presentation of the farm and its practices remains squarely factual, avoiding a romanticized portrayal and adhering to a stark and accurate depiction of the agricultural life and the produce it yields.
In the discerning lens of neutral observation, Viernes’ farming practices and dedicated ethos stand devoid of embellishment, presenting a factual tableau of an agricultural entity contributing meaningfully to the local food supply chain in Kaua’i. Through meticulous care, innovative techniques, and a deeply rooted respect for traditional agricultural practices, remain a testament to sustainable farming in the modern age. This narrative intertwines quotes from the video hosted by Lyndsey Haraguchi-Nakayama, embedding direct commentary and specifics from the farmers themselves.
Elmer’s Farm