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Home My WebLink AboutCOM 0271.345 2012-2014 J Yoshimoto From: Hasegawa, Reggie <reggie.hasegawa @cpsagu.com> Sent: Monday, July 01, 2013 11:59 AM To: 'jyoshimoto @co.hawaii.hi.us' Subject: Bill 79 Attachments: Bill 79 Written Testimony.PDF o c'a CC, cif? _QC) r-• 1 C MAHALO!!! -< Reginald(Reggie) Hasegawa C I Location Manager/Sales Crop Production Services, Inc. Central Valley Division - Hilo = 900 Leilani St. Hilo, HI 96720 Office: (808) 935-7191 Ext. 206 Fax: (808) 934-8436 Cell: (808) 960-6614 Email: reggie.hasegawaRcpsaqu.com This E-Mail transmission and any IMPORTANT NOTICE ! confidential mat� y accompanying attachments may contain information intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. Any dissemination, distribution, copying or action taken in reliance on the contents of this E-Mail by anyone other than the intended recipient is strictly prohibited and is not intended to, in anyway, waive privilege or confidentiality. If you have received this E-Mail in error please immediately delete it and notify sender at the above E-Mail address. Agrium uses state of the art anti-virus technology on all incoming and outgoing E-Mail. We encourage and promote the use of safe E-Mail management practices and recommend you check this,and all other E-Mail and attachments you receive for the presence of viruses. The sender and Agrium accept no liability for any damage caused by a virus or otherwise by the transmittal of this E-Mail. Comm. No a1'• 3 LFa tter. To: Ref. Date -1R-101T- 1 07-01-13; 12:48PM;CROP PRODUCTION SERVICES ;8089348436 # 1/ 2 Hawai'i County Council 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1402 Hilo,HI 96720 Dear Council Members: On behalf of Crop Production Services(CPS)I am writing to express our concerns with County Council Bill No.79 which addresses the use of pesticides and genetically modified crops in Hawai'i County. CPS is a national company that sells and commercially applies pesticides and nutrients. CPS is one of the largest application companies nationally and in Fiawai'i. We are proud of our record of stewardship and of business practices that support both the environment,and human health and safety, In Hawai'i,we have been on the cutting edge of developing equipment and technology to prevent soil erosion/loss, . reduced use of pesticides,integrated pest management,and to reduce off site movement of pesticides. We proudly work with local growers who follow both organic farming practices and use commercially produced crop protection and nutrient products. One of our concerns with the pending legislation is that it pits farmers against one another. There is a strong need--and ample room in the marketplace—for both organic and non-organic fanning operations. For many generations Hawai'i farmers have been our strongest stewards of the land. To meet the growing demand for food in a safe and environmentally sustainable manner,producers should continue to have access to legal crop protection products that have passed scientific muster and meet the agronomic needs of the crop. Council Bill 79 would prohibit many of the scientifically based practices long-used by our customers. The impacts could be significant with reduced yields,decreased soil health, loss of farm jobs and other economic impacts. County Bill 79 combines several very complex issues that may be better addressed through separate legislation. We recognize the concerns raised by genetically modified crops. The council will receive ample testimony from our state's leading experts on this topic. Our perspective is based on work with many of these agriculture leaders. They remind us that nature has used pollen to carry genes between plants for hundreds of millions of years. And,not one organically certified farm has lost its USDA certification due to the presence of unintended plant DNA(from either conventional or biotech varieties) since the beginning of the Federal National Organic Program. A leading trade group has compiled the following summary that we would like to submit for your consideration: Extensive scientific evaluation worldwide has not found any examples of ecological damage from biotechnology crops. In fact,the National Research Council has documented that,in addition to their safety,biotech crops contribute positively to farm sustainability in the United States,due to their environmental benefits and economic benefits to farmers, Current crops designed to resist pests and tolerate herbicides have already cut chemical usage on farms significantly.Herbicide-tolerance promotes practices like no-tillage farming that reduce soil erosion, prevent water loss,and even limit release of greenhouse gases. To ensure that a new plant is safe for the environment,extensive field-testing is conducted under USDA and EPA oversight. 07-01-13; 12;48PM;CROP PRODUCTION SERVICES ;8089348436 # 2/ 2 Compared to just a few short years ago,today we have a far better understanding of the environmental impacts of pesticides,fertilizers and plant nutrients,particularly their impact on water quality. Through research and best management practices adoption the industry has improved nutrient uptake and reduced losses.With additional work in this area and the implementation of stewardship programs economic and environmental performance can be improved further. In many parts of the country,the agricultural community is now embracing a proactive approach to balance competing goals. The 4R nutrient stewardship framework allows growers to meet their sustainability goals through the adoption of best management practices by using the Right Product and Right Rate at the Right Time and Right Place. The framework recognizes that what is right for one area may not work in another. Best Management Practices must be customized to address ecological and social differences.It is also clear that practices must be implemented in all four areas to be effective, While this adds some complexity, it is a scientific reality. By recognizing this within the frame work,we can achieve more consistent and real improvements in performance. It offers a sustainable solution through a science based and practical approach to pesticide and nutrient use. The 4R framework provides policy makers and researchers with a foundation they can use to sustainably improve performance through the development and implementation of best management practices. We commend the council for addressing these important issues. The impact of the pending measure will be significant in our county, state and beyond. We now have a great opportunity to provide a model solution to the many challenges facing agriculture and environmental protection. It is not an either or proposition. Rather, it is finding the right balance between sustainable agriculture and safeguarding the natural treasures of our islands. We suggest that the council not take final action on the measure at this time but instead reach out to the islands' many experts in these areas through a select task force to examine, in-depth,the issues that gave rise to the pending legislation. The task force would be charged with developing recommendations for the council to support or amend Council Bill 79. As an ag retailer,we volunteer our participation and are confident that other agriculture interests,environmental organizations and citizens' groups would do the same. Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to working with the council on the issues of farming in Hawai'i County. Sincerely, Reginald(Reggie)Hasegawa Location Manager