The Queen’s Challenge, an annual competition that highlights the skills and pride of kalo farmers across Maui, will take place again this year at the 2019 East Maui Taro Festival on April 13 at the Hana Ballpark.

It is open to all farmers on Maui growing Hawaiian taro varieties in two categories — wetland and dryland. Entries must be Hawaiian varieties found in Bulletin 84: Taro Varieties in Hawaii (1939); a two-point advantage will go to taro grown organically in honor of Queen Emma’s proficiency in growing kalo and caring for the soil.

The prize is $500 for a kalo grown in loi and $500 for a kalo grown dryland.

Bulletin 84 can be found at www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/B-084.pdf. There are also many of the varieties listed in the bulletin at www.kupunakalo.com. Not all varieties in Bulletin 84 are Hawaiian.

There is no cost to enter. The whole plant will be judged. Growers or their representative must provide the following information to the E kupaku ka aina contest table no later than 11 a.m. April 13:

• Name of grower, mailing address, phone and email contact.

• Place the taro was grown/ahupuaa.

• Soil inputs and/or fertilizers used to grow the kalo entered in the contest.

• Wetland or dryland.

• Age of the taro at harvest (months).

• Reason for growing kalo.

Anything received after 11 a.m. will not be accepted in the competition.

Questions, and inquiries from potential sponsors, may be directed to EKKA at ekupaku@gmail.com or (808) 285-3947.