Oprah’s Farm on Maui

I confess I have been a fan of Oprah Winfrey for many years. I don’t watch her show, but I read her magazine, O. Among other things, I admire her for being a wildly successful businesswoman who is worth $2.8 billion as of 2013.

What’s Oprah got to do with green business? Take a look at the June 2013 issue. I was happily surprised that the cover announces “Oprah’s New Farm.” Granted the farm is on Maui, but the point is, she is bringing broad attention to the idea of growing and eating local, fresh food. 

She notes that Maui imports almost 90% of its food, and she hopes her farm can start to reduce that number.  While 16 acres won’t feed the whole island, it will be a great example to the residents there of what is possible. Sustainable farming is a huge business opportunity.

I love Oprah’s story of coming full circle.  She was raised on a farm in Mississippi, and felt poor because her family grew their own food. 50 years later, she’s finds that “being on Maui and creating a farm feels like coming home.” 

A business that literally feeds an island AND your soul? Chances are, that’s a green business!