MAUI GOLD PINEAPPLE PARTNERS WITH MAUI NUI MARINE RESOURCE COUNCIL TO PILOT REEF-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING PROGRAM

Maui, Hawaii (May 9, 2024) – Maui Gold Pineapple is proud to announce the creation of a test plot to pilot Maui Nui Marine Resource Council’s (MNMRC) Reef-Friendly Landscaping program at their farm in Haliʻimaile. This collaboration aims to complement reef-friendly practices already in place at the farm and increase Maui Gold’s commitment to protect the island’s coral reefs and coastal ecosystems. On Wednesday, May 8, a test plot launch was hosted by Maui Gold and MNMRC at the farm, with County of Maui Mayor Richard Bissen and Hawaiʻi State Senator Lynn DeCoite among the guests supporting the initiative in attendance.

“We are thrilled to join forces with the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council to pioneer this Reef-Friendly Landscaping initiative on our farm,” said Darren Strand, director of agriculture at Maui Gold Pineapple. “As stewards of the land, we have always recognized the importance of protecting our coastal ecosystems. Continuing to implement more reef-friendly practices at Maui Gold is one way to show our commitment to sustainability and responsible land management.”

The Reef-Friendly Landscaping program focuses on minimizing chemical pollution and runoff from agricultural and residential areas that may harm marine life and coral reefs. The plot at Maui Gold will be treated with a biological soil amendment, which is a liquid filled with nutrients and microbes that will nourish crops while enriching the soil at the same time. Made locally by natural land-care company SoilThrive Hawaii, LLC, the amendment will be applied to the plot via a custom delivery system specifically designed for Maui Gold Pineapple. SoilThrive will also conduct 19 types of soil testing and crop monitoring in the test plot throughout the pilot period.

“We are excited to have Maui Gold Pineapple pilot our Reef-Friendly Landscaping program on their farm,” said Jill Wirt, program director at Maui Nui Marine Resource Council. “They are the first agricultural business to partner with us. We know the program’s success on their farm will demonstrate how agricultural businesses of all sizes can thrive while driving positive change for Maui’s land and reefs.”

About Maui Gold Pineapple

For over 50 years, Maui Gold has produced Hawaii’s famously sweet pineapple. Grown on the slopes of Maui’s Haleakala with fresh water and nutrient-rich volcanic soil, Maui Gold pineapples are hand-harvested to ensure they’re picked at their peak ripeness. Located upcountry in Hali’imaile, guests can experience the history and culture of Maui Gold and see first-hand how the iconic fruit is produced on the Maui Pineapple Tour. Throughout the guided tour of the working pineapple farm, guests can taste the sweetness and take home a complimentary pineapple. Tours are available daily. To subscribe and receive Hawaii’s sweetest pineapple shipped from the Maui Gold farm, or for more information, visit MauiGold.com.