HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0212.444 1996-1998 To: Mayor Steve Yamasha.o and Hawaii County Council
From: Kimberly D. Clark, Ph.D.
Re: Proposed $2 million post-harvest treatment project
Date: April 24, 1997.
The following testimony is against spending Hawaii County tax dollars for apost-harvest
treatment project as an irradiation facility, or the building of such a facility in the State of
Hawaii with public funding. As an agricutturat economist and a board member of Hawaii
..Organic Farmers Association(HOFA) for the past 4 years, I strongly object to the use of
irradiation as a post harvest treatment for any reason. The 1990 Farm Bill Organic Food
Protection Act mandated standards for certified organic, which prohibit the use of irradiation,
as well as genetic engineering of seeds, both of which are being developed to assist large-
scale corporate agribusiness interests.
The "Made in Hawaii" Aloha Spirit which sells Hawaii's uniqueness in the tourist market
symbolizes quality and caze, which do not create the same feelings associated with irradiation.
So, if we aze selling imsdiated products from Hawaii, what is our competitive advantage on
the world market? An historical account of the sugar and macadamia nut industry, both of
which were highly developed horticulturally in Hawaii with cultivars and varieties especially
suited to Hawaii conditions, can be used as an example. Because land, labor and
transportation to markets aze very expensive in Hawaii and capital is scarce, azeas with the
same climate and similar soils grow these and other crops cheaper. With the increased supply
on the world market, the mazket price falls and those who cannot cover their costs, must be
subsidized or tum to alternative crops.
At the Tropical Fruit Growers Conference on Kauai in Octobet 1996, Jonathan Crane from
Homestead, Florida lecriued on the Florida production, post harvest treatment, and marketing
of tropical fruits, since Hurricane Andrew 5 year ago. The following information was
discussed:
CROP ACRES
Avocado 6100, increasing
Limes 2200, increasing
Mango (to CA .TX. AZ.) 2000, decreasing to 1500 due to Mexico
Papaya 3000-4000
Starfruit (cold treatment) 530
Lyche 600, increasing
Longan 300
Rambutan too cold for Florida
Sapote 300
Passion fruit 30
Sapadillo 30
Atemoya 20
Chermoya 20
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Hawaii's total acres in tropical fruits is less than S00 with statfruit comprising 40 acres.
Thailand and Taiwan produce lyche and Tongan which are of inferior qualify by the time they
arrive is Mainland mazkets. The Florida market is middiemamsed by Chinese and Indians to
ethnic mazkets across the Mainland. The season for Hawaii fruit is sandwiched between the
Asian and Florida seasons. Our only advantage is to develop seasonal varieties, which. will
eventually be available worldwide during this economic window. I do not see" how irradiation
will outshine the Florida market, which is watching Mexico and Sauth America
Ia Florida, iaadiation is not successful in treatment of any product tested, except for
strawberries (pest control), onions and potatoes (inhibit sprouting), mushrooms and tomatoes
to extend shelf-life. Presently, the Florida irradiaion facility is operating at a loss.
If irradiation is the savior of the papaya industry and therefore a large part of Hamakua
revitalization, then why aze the leases only 8 years? Comparing this to the cost of building
and operating an irradiation facility at undercapaciry in a highly competitive world mazket
with increasing supply seems a burden on Hawaii taxpayers. Perhaps money should be
targeted to alternative crops, practices and mazkets to replace sugaz with small diversified
farms supported with self-reliant goals. Alternatives to irradiation exist and aze viable.
Organic production includes over 1,000 acres in Hawaii with 70-75 certified organic
operations and sales of $6-8 million this past year.
Given the economics of Hawaii agriculture, and the lack of competitive advantage, proven
benefits of irradiation, a mazket analysis by an independent third party, a proposed plan, or
any financials (pro forma is usually requested by land owners for lease agreements) or
feasibility study for the proposed project, I request that this item be deferred until more solid
information is present.
'Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
Warmest Aloha,
.
Kimberly D. CIazk, Ph.D.