OUTSTANDING AGRICULTURE OPERATION AWARD

HAROLD T. TANOUYE, JR., OF GREEN POINT NURSERIES, INC., HILO

For decades, Green Point Nurseries has been on the forefront of Hawaii 's cut flower and ornamental industry. In 1977, Harold formed Green Point Nurseries to grow and market leather leaf ferns and anthurium cut flowers. The business has grown to 4.5 million dollars annually with 25 acres in production. Harold has shown outstanding innovation; creativity; distinctive practices and expansion of business; commitment to advancement and improvement; and distinction in a team approach to employee management. Among his significant innovations are new varieties and cultivation procedures plus widely used prepackaging packs.

NEW FARM OPERATION AWARD

THOMAS AND EVA-MARIA KAFSACK OF SURFING GOAT DAIRY, KULA

Surfing Goat Dairy began producing gourmet goat cheeses in early 2002. Since then, the business has demonstrated exceptional innovation; creativity; success in operation, management, marketing and sales; financial stability and growth; and sustainability. With no debts, loans or mortgages, its average revenue has grown to $21,837 per month. Surfing Goat honors the environment by husbanding natural resources, recycling, composting and using no pesticides or herbicides. Noted restaurants and stores in the Islands and on the Mainland purchase their specialty cheeses containing many local products for flavoring in spite of their higher price. Surfing Goat Dairy is also a successful agritourism destination.

FRIEND OF AGRICULTURE AWARD

DAVID “BUDDY” NOBRIGA OF NOBRIGA RANCH, INC., WAILUKU

Raised on his family's ranch on Maui , Buddy has made lifelong exceptional efforts to support, sustain and enhance the agricultural sector and has shown significant dedication to and leadership in ag collaboration, facilitation and volunteering. Buddy has been a valuable participant in various Hawaii ag organizations including the Farm Credit Services of Hawaii, the Hawaii Board of Agriculture, the West Maui Soil and Water Conservation District, the Maui Tri Isle Rural Development Corporation, the Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, the Hawaii Association of Conservations Districts and many others.

IN MEMORY OF A. JAMES WRISTON, III, 1955-2004

The presentation ceremony of the AG CONFERENCE 2004 AWARDS will be sponsored in part by Hawaiian Earth Products in loving memory of our friend and partner, Jim Wriston. The Awards Presentation will take place at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Coral Ballroom 3, starting at 4:45pm .