186. Michael and Lauren Marchand on Running a Diversified, Bio-intensive Farm in the Tropics

Published: June 28, 2022, 2 p.m.

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What is farm life like in the tropics?\\xa0

On today\\u2019s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we\\u2019re joined by Michael and Lauren Marchand, co-founders of Lapa\'au Farm, located in Maui, Hawaii. Lapa\\u2019au Farm is a two-acre, bio-intensive farming operation. Michael and Lauren practice \\u201cbeyond organic\\u201d methods, which means they forgo modern organic methods that allow a long list of pesticides to still be used. Instead, they focus on biodiversity and seasonal crops, with a strong focus on building organic matter in their soil. Tune in as they give us a behind-the-scenes look at running a business, what it\'s like to be entrepreneurs, and how to navigate having a significant other as your thriving farm business partner!\\xa0

You\\u2019ll hear:

What Lapa\'au Farm uses for substrate on their mushrooms 1:52

What Lapa\'au Farm is all about 4:20

What their tunnel production is like 12:22

How their CSAs coincide with the seasons in Hawaii 22:25

The various ways Lauren and Michael use mushroom substrate 25:39

Marketing channels Lapa\'au uses to get the word out 29:39

Size of the Lapa\'au team 36:05

Equipment they use 44:00

What they use for microbes 54:15

Lauren and Michael\\u2019s words of encouragement for newer or aspiring farmers 56:44

Why beginning farmers should start small 1.09:38

About the Guest:

Michael and Lauren Marchand are the co-owners of Lapa\\u2019au Farm, a two-acre bio-intensive farm located in Maui, Hawaii utilizing organic and regenerative practices. Lauren and Michael moved to Maui in 2015 after graduating from Chapman University. Since 2017, the mission of Lapa\\u2019au Farm has been to create a bio-intensive and regenerative approach with the goal of creating a closed-loop system for increased sustainability. Michael began experimenting with growing oyster mushrooms early on in the business and quickly discovered that expanding this area of production was something worth investing in. Lapa\\u2019au farm now produces around 500 lbs. of oyster mushrooms per week, in addition to a variety of other seasonal vegetables, including root crops, salad greens, and brassicas.\\xa0

Resources:

Website: https://www.lapaau.farm/\\xa0

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lapaaufarm\\xa0

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lapaau_farm/\\xa0

The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor!

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