Whole Foods plants seeds of potential

Few are more deserving of success than Ma'o Farms, a nonprofit organization that grows young people into business leaders and entrepreneurs as well as producing a fine array of premium vegetables and fruits.

Ma'o is one of three farms chosen by Whole Foods Market to supply greens, herbs, tropical fruits, tomatoes and other garden provisions. Its dual mission of food production and educational opportunities is an excellent model worthy of duplication.

The others, Poamoho Organic Produce on Oahu's North Shore and Hamakua Springs Country Farms on Hawaii, also show quality niche enterprises have a place in island agriculture.