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~lC,e,,t,~u <br /> ~.D - ~ 71 r ~ <br /> Testimony to Hawaii County Council re: Bill 62 ~t~~~ <br /> Submitted by: Rory Flynn, P.O. Box 1333, Hilo, HI 96721 <br /> May 7, 1997 <br /> Chairman Arakaki and Council members, my name is Rory Flynn, representing the <br /> Hawaii Agricultural Promotional Association. <br /> 1 am pleased to call the Council's attention to several letters directed to the Council <br /> from the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association as well as the Produce Marketing <br /> Association, both encouraging your favorable consideration of Bi1162. <br /> More importantly, both communications from the two leading national trade <br /> organizations representing the fresh fruit and produce industries throughout North <br /> America acknowledge the importance ofpost-harvest treatment for Hawaii farmers. <br /> The Produce Marketing Association, representing 2,500 members marketing fresh fruits, <br /> <br /> vegetables and floral products worldwide, states: "We are aware of the importance of this <br /> measure to support apost-harvest treatment that will allow your state's growers to export <br /> to mainland markets." <br /> The United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, in its letter to Chairman Arakaki, says <br /> that it "encourages the exports of diversified crops from Hawaii" and "looks forward to <br /> the expansion of the marketplace for the Hawaiian produce industry on the U.S. <br /> mainland." <br /> These are clear and welcome endorsements for Bill 62, for Hawaii's farmers, and for the <br /> safety and market acceptance of irradiated food products. Contrary to the reckless <br /> assertions of some in our community who pretend to speak for the food industry and <br /> consumers everywhere, there is a growing and receptive market for irradiated fruits and <br /> vegetables from Hawaii. <br /> fhe two most important food industry trade organizations have spoken. They have <br /> <br /> demonstrated their support and alliance with Hawaii farmers and the cause of our <br /> <br /> agricultural exports. They support sound science, the established safety of irradiated <br /> <br /> fruits and vegetables, and affirm the principle of free choice in the marketplace. <br /> <br /> In your continued consideration of Bill 62, please consider the significance and credibility <br /> <br /> of these letters of support. They testify to the willing support of mainland markets to <br /> <br /> embrace our fruit and other produce. That's good news for our farmers and for the <br /> County of Hawaii as we undertake this important step to support post-harvest treatment <br /> for our agricultural exports. <br /> <br /> Mahalo. <br /> l~csmfn. pia 1t~~„~,1 <br /> x.~N~ lc~e <br /> iel Presenter <br /> saf, Data MAY 0 7 1997 <br /> <br />