Our Pillars of Natural Farming

Inspired by Korean Natural Farming. Adapted for Hawaii.

The Philosophy

Natural Farming is a revolutionary approach that works with nature rather than against it. Instead of relying on synthetic chemicals and pesticides, we amplify the biological processes that have sustained life for millennia. Our methods are inspired by over 60 years of Korean Natural Farming tradition, refined and adapted to thrive in Hawaii's unique volcanic soils and tropical climate.

At Mountain View Farms, we believe that the health of our soil is the foundation of everything. By cultivating indigenous microorganisms and building living soil ecosystems, we create conditions where plants naturally flourish—without synthetic inputs, without chemical residues, and without harming the land that sustains us.

4 Core Principles

Work With Nature

Instead of synthetic chemicals, we amplify the natural biological processes that already exist in our ecosystem.

Indigenous Microorganisms

We collect and cultivate microorganisms native to our valley, creating a perfectly adapted living culture.

The Soil is Alive

We focus on building a thriving underground ecosystem of beneficial organisms that support plant health.

Stage-by-Stage Nutrition

We apply fermented natural inputs at each growth stage, giving plants exactly what they need when they need it.

How It Works

1

Collect IMO

Gather Indigenous Microorganisms from the forest floor and natural sources in our valley.

2

Ferment Inputs

Create fermented plant juices (FPJ), lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and other natural nutrient sources.

Building living soil ecosystem
3

Build Living Soil

Integrate fermented inputs into our soil, creating a thriving ecosystem of beneficial organisms.

4

Plants Thrive

Plants naturally flourish in this biodiverse ecosystem, free from stress and chemical exposure.

5

Harvest to Table

Nutrient-dense, pesticide-free produce reaches your table, straight from our living soil.

Beyond Organic

Conventional Organic Natural Farming
Synthetic Pesticides Used widely Limited exceptionsNational List allows ~25 synthetics when no natural alternative exists Zero
Chemical Herbicides Used widely Mostly prohibitedSoap-based herbicides allowed for limited uses Zero
Synthetic Fertilizers Primary input Partially restrictedBulk NPK prohibited; select synthetic micronutrients and minerals allowed with documented deficiency ZeroOnly fermented natural inputs
Soil Tillage Heavy & routine Increased tillagePrimary weed control without herbicides No-tillPreserves mycorrhizal networks
Living Soil Biology Depleted Partially restored Actively cultivatedIndigenous microorganisms collected & concentrated
Native Micro­organisms None Variable Collected & concentratedIMO from local forest floor
Chemical Residues Often present MinimizedTrace residues possible from allowed synthetics Zero
Antibiotics Routine use ProhibitedTreated animals lose organic status Zero
Growth Promotants Ractopamine usedLegal in US, banned in 160+ countries Prohibited Zero

The Benefits

For Your Health

Zero chemical residues. Higher nutrient density. Plants grown in living soil develop stronger defenses and more complex flavor profiles. You're not just eating produce—you're getting genuine nutrition.

For the Land

We rebuild soil, not deplete it. KNF pulls carbon out of the air, eliminates chemical runoff, and skips the emissions-heavy fertilizer industry. Each harvest leaves the land healthier than before. See the full environmental story →

For the Community

Local food independence. Preserving Hawaiian agricultural tradition. Supporting regenerative practices that will sustain our islands for generations to come.

Deep Litter System

Beyond our plants, we practice integrated farming through our Deep Litter System for pig raising. This innovative method uses natural fermented bedding materials to create a self-composting environment—zero odor, zero runoff, zero antibiotics, and zero chemical inputs.

Deep litter system for pigs at Mountain View Farms

The pigs live on continuously layered, fermented organic matter that naturally breaks down while they rest and move across it. This system produces incredibly rich compost for our fields while allowing the animals to live healthily without pharmaceutical intervention. It's Natural Farming extended across the entire farm ecosystem.

Related Journal Articles

Natural Farming

Korean Natural Farming: What It Is and Why It Works

A 60-year-old system that replaces purchased chemicals with biology — fermented inputs and microorganisms collected from your own land.

Science & Nutrition

Moringa: What the Science Actually Says

An honest, evidence-based look at what moringa contains, what it does in the body, and why the way it’s grown and processed changes everything.
Read the journal →

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