HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0882.053 2006-2008
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Murashige, Laura
From: Delan Perry [hipapayas@earthlink.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 9:29 AM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: County taro testimony 1-08
Attachments: County taro testimony 1-08.doc
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Comm. No. " a °
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Ref. Date JAN 0 8_20113
1
Hawaii Papaya Industry Association
The Hawaii Papaya Industry strongly apposes Hawaii County
Resolution 462-08.
On behalf of the papaya industry:
We agree that taro has very important cultural value to the people of Hawaii, and
that it is critical that taro remain an important crop in Hawaii for both its cultural
value and it's important addition to the health of our citizens.
However, we strongly disagree that these important aspects will be supported by
stopping research on taro, including any particular tool that can save taro from
destruction that will come if certain new diseases or insects find their way to
Hawaii. Continued research is essential for the future on not only taro, but all
important crops. The continued establishment of new invasive species is likely to
continue, probably at an accelerated rate and Hawaii becomes a stop for more
visitors and cargo from around the Pacific.
Additionally there are Best Management Practices that can prevent cross
pollination.
The papaya Industry serves as an example of both what invasive species can
do to an important Hawaii crop, and how aggressive research by dedicated
scientists can solve some of the invasive species problems in a number of ways.
Developing the different tools for these controls, whether cultural, biological,
chemical, or biotechnical is essential for future crop survival.
Papaya Ringspot Virus (PRV) moved into the important papaya lands of Puna in
1992. There had been years of research looking at different aproches to saving
the industry: variety tolerance, chemical control of vectors, virus inoculation to
give some resistance . Nothing was satisfactory until some far seeing scientists
tried biotechnology. Over the last ten years, the results have been spectacular.
We can grow the very popular Rainbow. We can use the new germplasm to
develop many new varieties that meet different environmental and market
needs. Hundreds of papaya farmers can stay in business. Over 200 million
pounds have been sold with no food safety problems recorded.
Since the Rainbow transgenic papaya has been introduced, however three new
invasive pests have made their way to Hawaii. This is an example of what new
pests can come in and in a short amount of time, pose new problems to survival
of a crop. One new fungus and two new insects in the last 7 years is something
no industry wants to deal with. Once again we have called on the scientific
community to help, and are meeting with some success through new chemical
solutions and two positive biological solutions.
Agriculture needs all of the tools at it's disposal, as well as the talent and
dedication of scientists to meet these new challenges. These agronomic pests,
as well as community pests such as Coqui Frogs, fire ants, stinging nettle
caterpillars are going to keep arriving . There is no time for moratoriums to stop
the development of possible tools to combat new anticipated pests. There are
many control procedures to make sure the solutions do not become a problem.
Sincerely,
Delan Perry
Vice President, Chairman Legislative Issues Committee