HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0271.678 2012-2014 `44."tom'` HAWAII ORGANIC FARMING ASSOCIATION
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Phone: (808) 969-7789 Fax: (866) 782 - 5293
° 76-789 `lo Place, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
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hofa @hawaiiorganic.org ww.hawaiiorganic.org
To whom it may concern:
I work for the largest natural and organic food distributor in North America.
I am also the VP of the HOFA.
2013 Board of One aspect of GMO and non-GMO is sales:
Directors All countries of the European Union,Japan, as well as numerous other important agricultural
Mark Fergusson export and import partners of the US, more than 36 countries, do not allow the import of GE
President products, or have significant restrictions.This reduces the market for Hawaii farmers.
Franz Weber Whereas the regular food industry has a growth rate of 3—5%annually,the natural and organic
Vice President food industry grows at a rate of 12—17%/year.
Treasurer
Super markets and mass markets are turning more and more to natural and organic food, since
Zach Memiel - it is the growing at a faster pace at their stores than commercial grown food( 6%vs. 1%) , plus
Secretary it has a higher profit margin. Unlike several years ago,you now see organic food in Costco,
Keiko Bonk Safeway, Foodland, etc.
Courtney Bruch The sales of the company I work for, UNFI, reached $ 5.2 Bio at the end of their fiscal year 2012,
Hunter Heaiviiin up from $4.5 Bio in the previous fiscal year. We are the way to pass$ 6 Bio this year.This shows
the growth opportunity and money that can be made in the organic industry.
Gary Hooser Approx. 75%of GM crops are bred for herbicide tolerance (Roundup Ready crops).The majority
Juanita Kawamoto of the remaining GM crops are engineered to produce Bt(Bacillus thuringiensis, an insecticide)
Matthew Lynch in their DNA. No GM traits are in commercial production for increased yields, drought tolerance,
David Santistevan or nutritional superiority.
Dr. Hector Valenzuela In the US, in 2009, 85 %of the corn, 91%of the soy, 88 %of the cotton, and 95%of the sugar
beet production was from GMO production. In 2008,the USA accounted for 50%of the
Dr. Melissa Yee worldwide GMO production,followed by 32%from South America countries.
Once crops and agricultural land is cross-contaminated by wind, bees,etc.,there is no way to
reverse the situation.Anybody who wants to grow GM-free is forced to shut down their farm,
and to close their business.
Franz Weber
Operations and Sales
UNFI Hawaii
(808)322-6633
fweber @unfi.com //�
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www.u nfi.com
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Franz Weber
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Vice President 9-' (.
HAWAII ORGANIC FARMING ASSOCIATION (HOFA) Comm. Nj
Ph: (808) 322-6633 Ref. To: r(.PS M7L
franzhofa @gmail.com Ref. Date J L 0 2 2013
Hawaii Organic Farming Association
Our Vision is to:Create a sustainable future for Hawaii.
Our mission is to:Further organic and sustainable agriculture,land care,and lifestyles in Hawaii, thus giving meaning and life to our state motto:Ua mau
ke ea o ka aina I ka pono"The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness".
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