S3E4 - Not my Mainland (with anti-GMO activist specializing in traditional Hawaiian farming, Josh Mori, Kauaʻi Hawaiʻi)

In this episode, we dive deep into the history of and activism for traditional Hawaiian farming with Josh Mori. Josh is the founder of Iwikua, an educational and cultural resource for sustainable food production, wellness, and community enhancement for West Kauaʻi.

Hawaii’s reliance on food imports began in the 1960s and has been further exacerbated by the locus for genetically modified (GMO) crop field trials. Kauaʻi in particular has been ground zero for GMO companies like Monsanto and BASF – serial violators of federal environmental laws. In recent years, local Hawaiians have been leading efforts based on old values and land practices to keep the islands healthy and the local population fed.

The controversies over the safety of growing and eating transgenic food are top of mind for Josh. His lived experience as an indigenous farmer resisting the agribusiness industry is a testament to his ancestral roots - shaped by a deep connection to the land, sea, and soil.

In this interview, he shares why teaching the next generation of local farmers how to cultivate the land to benefit West Kauaʻi goes beyond training and education – it’s personal.

This season, we’re honored to join forces with Prism - a nonprofit newsroom led by journalists of color to go deep into the stories behind environmental racism. Our co-founder and host Shilpi Chhotray and Prism’s climate justice reporter, Ray Levy Uyeda, examine how local Hawaiians are taking back food security and culture from American colonization, and the ongoing threats of climate change, militarism, and tourism.

Key Themes explored:

• What does the growing food justice movement look like in West Kauaʻi?
• What are the intersectional links between the agribusiness industry and Big Plastic?
• How do the historical impacts of colonization and militarism affect local Hawaiian culture and food systems?
• Why is tourism is a major threat to the cultural and political environment?

Tune in to the latest episode, Not my Mainland, to find out. This episode was generously sponsored by the Food and Farm Communications Fund.

Visit People over Plastic’s website to learn more about us and continue the conversation by sharing this episode on Instagram and Twitter.

Resources:

• Prism article: Restoring Hawaiian fishponds revitalizes food systems and cultures, written by Ray Levy Uyeda
• Learn about Josh’s organization IWIKUA and how to get involved.
• Read more about Josh’s story in an interview for Feeding Hawai’i : Portraits of Resistance
• As discussed, 27% of Native Hawaiians report food insecurity and that number is likely higher. Check out Food Insecurity in Hawaiʻi: A Data Brief for more information.

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