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<br /> Page 1 of 2 <br /> <br /> PI INC <br /> <br /> Murashige, Laura <br /> <br /> From: Christine Sheppard [christinesheppard@hawaii.rr.com] <br /> Sent: Sunday, January 06, 2008 2:12 PM 20H AN ? Pfd 3 46 <br /> To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us <br /> <br /> Subject: Please Support Resolution 463-08 on Genetically Modified Coffee OOUNT1 : F H1'191411 <br /> Attachments: GMO Position KCFA.doc; ATT00051.html <br /> <br /> January 6, 2008 <br /> 9 <br /> Bob Jacobson, <br /> <br /> Chair Environmental Mgt. Committee and Committee Members <br /> <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> <br /> counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us? Fax 968-8912 <br /> <br /> v <br /> <br /> Honored Council Members: <br /> <br /> <br /> The Kona Coffee Farmers Association (KCFA) thanks you for hearing Resolution 463-08 on genetically modified <br /> coffee, and urges you to pass this Resolution. Below are some key points, and attached are the KCFA GMO Position <br /> Statement and Rationale. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> **If GMO coffee were to be grown in Hawaii County, there will be cross- pollination and contamination of our <br /> valuable heirloom crop.? The coffee-growing industry is one of Hawaii?s most successful, and needs this protection. <br /> v <br /> <br /> **As was demonstrated by the rice industry, GMO field trials can cause pervasive contamination.? By way of dramatic <br /> example, in August of 2006 it came to the attention of the USDA and to rice growers in six states, mostly in Arkansas <br /> and Missouri, that conventional long grain rice had been contaminated with a GMO variety, LLRICE60I.? The rice <br /> farmers have lost their export markets in Japan and Europe. Rice futures have plummeted, creating class action <br /> lawsuits pending against Bayer Crop Science, the patent holder.? The California Rice Commission voted on March 15, <br /> 2007, to put in place a moratorium on field trials of GMO rice in California.? This move was intended to protect <br /> California?s valuable rice crop. <br /> v <br /> <br /> **As demonstrated by the rice example, field trials can cause pervasive contamination.? If Hawaiian coffees become <br /> contaminated with GMO genes, they would not continue to be viewed as specialty coffees on the world market and <br /> would not continue to command premium prices. (SCAA Position on GMO coffees) <br /> <br /> ? Gomm. No. 3 • 18 <br /> Ref. To,pre"ON- G <br /> Ref. Dote JA N8 ZUUd <br /> 1/7/2008 <br />