HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0212.452 1996-1998 Big Island Farrn Bureau
P.O. Box 388 • Mountain View, Hawaii 96773 • Phone or Fax (808) 968.6951
Honorable Aaron Chung, Chairman April 24, 1997
& Committee Members
Finance Committee
County Counci 1 RECEIVED
25 Aupuni Street Time_._-.-.--_._-_ By~
Hilo, Hawaii 9670 `~lri~Ft4___
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w County Council ~s°-F`~
Dear Chairman Chung and Committee Members:
The Hilo, Hamakua and Kohala chapters of the Farm Bureau would
like to offer support for the development of a commercial
post-harvest irradiation treatment facility in East Hawaii.
The Farm Bureau contends that such a facility would create new
• mar9cet opportunities and additional incentives to put our
agricultural ?ands to productive use once again.
Irradiation offers an alternative post-harvest treatment for
specific commodities. The continued move to phase-out specific
fumigants clearly marks the need for the development of
alternative approaches to prevent the movement of pests and
diseases for both import and export agricultui~ai products.
Not every grower will find that this process opens the door to
new markets, nor will every consumer make irradiated food their
choice. Yet, irradiation is a tested, proven, and recognized
post-harvest treatment; therefore, if the marketplace dictates
then Hawaii should move forward with the development of such a
facility.
It should be noted that our fourth Big Island Chapter,
Kona County has yet to take a definitive stand on this matter,.
due to the uncertainty of their memberships' sentiment.
However, it is their intention to host an informational meeting
on the subject in their area.
Thank you,for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
La~lc~~esident
Big Island Farm Bureau
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