Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> Jan 08 08 08:09a SeaPics.corn 808-329-6659 P.1 <br /> <br /> <br /> NEW <br /> <br /> <br /> OFFEE <br /> FAR MEW; 2008 JON 8 AM 8 10 <br /> *ASSOCIATION <br /> .'67a_ LISfi. ,r; e~xcnoco r, vier or~oa/~~Nr: t x1~V ~1f:.^, <br /> <br /> January 6, 2008 <br /> <br /> Bob Jacobson, <br /> Chair Environmental Mgt. Committee and Committee Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.u:; Fax 90-8912 <br /> Honored Council Members: <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 <br /> Position Statement and Rationale. <br /> **If GMO coffee were to he grown in Hawaii County, there will be cross- pollination and corimmination of our <br /> valuable heirloom crop. The coffee-growing industry is one of Hawaii's most successful, and needs this protection. <br /> <br /> **As was demonstrated by the rice industry, GMO field trials can cause pervasive contamination. By way of <br /> dramatic example, in August of 2006 it came to the attention of the USDA and to rice growers in six states, mos rJy <br /> in Arkansas and Missouri, that conventional long grain rice had been contaminated with a GMO variety, <br /> LLRICE601. The rice farmers have lost their export markets in Japan and Fauope. Rice futures have plummeted, <br /> creating class action lawsuits pending against Bayer Crop Science, the patent holder. The California Rice <br /> Commission voted on March IS, 2007, to put in place a moratorium on field trials of GMO rice in California. 7'h is <br /> move was intended to protect California's valuable rice crop. <br /> **As demonstrated by the rice example, field trials can cause pervasive contamination. If Hawaiian coffee:, <br /> become contaminated with GMO genes, they would not continue to be viewed as specialty coffees on the world <br /> market and would not continue to command premium prices. (SCAA Position on GMO coffees) <br /> **Japanese and European authorities are well aware that when GMO field trials occur in a region, GMO <br /> contamination is highly likely. Feld trials in Hawaii County would create the perception of ON40 contamination <br /> and, before export to Japan and Europe, Hawaiian coffees would need to be tested for GMO genes. <br /> *In February 2007, John Stiles of Integrated Coffee Technologies, testified that he has GMO cuffec trees read,-or <br /> field trials in Hawaii in 12 to 18 months. This information, and the fact that HDOA has given no assurance that <br /> there will not be field trials of GMO coffee in Hawaii County, gives urgency to the need for enacting protection <br /> We appreciate your support for Beg Island agriculture. Please pass Resolution 463-08. <br /> Sincerely yours <br /> <br /> pig` ltY"4V/•'! <br /> Kenneth Sheppard <br /> President - Kona Coffee Farmers Association <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> loan. No. V o n <br /> R <br /> Ref. Dafe ef. Tot _ JN 13 2M <br />