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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0271.919 2012-2014 Page 1 of 2 Murashige, Laura COUNTY CLERK 9 COM-v r.7. L_ From: Tom Davis [tdavis @wsfb.com] X13 JUL 30 «� Sent: Sunday, July 28, 2013 5:57 PM 23 To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: joy @hfbf.org; John Stuhlmiller Subject: Bill 79 -written testimony Attachments: WA Farm Bureau testimony on Bill 79.pdf MID WASHINGTON FARM BUREAU 975 Carpenter Rd NE, Suite 301, Lacey, WA 98516 July 30, 2013 COUNTY OF HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND MASS TRANSIT TESTIMONY IN OPPOSITION TO BILL 79 Dear Chairwoman Wille and committee members: My name is Tom Davis and I am the Director of Government Relations for the Washington Farm Bureau. I am writing in opposition to Bill 79 which will ban the growing of genetically engineered (GE) products on the Big Island. Like many other efforts across the country, Bill 79 makes inaccurate statements about GE products that have no scientific data or facts to justify its passage. While I understand that we do not reside or farm in the State of Hawaii or on the Big Island for that matter, our organization and its members rely on the seeds that are grown in Hawaii to be planted throughout the United States. Hawaii is a critical part of the viability of our U.S. farmers and food production. As farmers, we take our environmental stewardship and the seeds we grow very seriously as it is our farm families livelihood at stake to care for the land and produce safe products for many future generations to come. Because of sound science and genetic modification, farmers are able to be more viable to address the many on-going agricultural challenges. Science and technology has helped farmers and ranchers become more efficient while increasing production. The regulatory requirements of GE organisms are very extensive and thorough. The USDA, FDA and EPA all work together on all aspects of regulating genetically engineered organisms from agriculture, food safety, and the environment. In addition to these strict government regulations, over 600 Comm. 01:7 r .6119_ Ref. To: 7/30/2013 Ref. Date 2 2013 Page 2 of 2 independent studies have repeatedly found that GE plants are as safe to eat as conventionally grown food. The American Medical Association and the World Health Organization have also come to the same conclusion. We appreciate the importance of Hawaii's agriculture to the American farmer and the role it has on making food affordable for all U.S. citizens, including Hawaii and the Big Island. There needs to be more dialogue with all concerned to gain a better appreciation and understanding of this complex issue. Finally, the proud people of Hawaii, Washington state, and all the states that make up our Union, must consider the global impacts that local bans may have on the usage of GE seed. Many African nations are looking to us for guidance on policy development on crucial issues like this. And please remember that the use of this technology is seen by many as an important tool to feeding an ever increasing world population; the absence of nutritious food remains a serious problem in much of Asia and Africa. For these reasons, we respectfully urge the Council to vote No on Bill 79. Sincerely, Tom Davis Director of Government Relations tiff. WASHINGTON Ma FARM BUREAU 975 Carpenter Rd NE, Suite 301, Lacey, WA 98516 Cell: 360.790.7287 Office: 360.528.2910 7/30/2013 - WASHINGTON Wig FARM BUREAU 975 Carpenter Rd NE, Suite 301, Lacey, WA 98516 July 30, 2013 COUNTY OF HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND MASS TRANSIT TESTIMONY IN OPPOSITION TO BILL 79 Dear Chairwoman Wille and committee members: My name is Tom Davis and I am the Director of Government Relations for the Washington Farm Bureau. I am writing in opposition to Bill 79 which will ban the growing of genetically engineered (GE) products on the Big Island. Like many other efforts across the country, Bill 79 makes inaccurate statements about GE products that have no scientific data or facts to justify its passage. While I understand that we do not reside or farm in the State of Hawaii or on the Big Island for that matter, our organization and its members rely on the seeds that are grown in Hawaii to be planted throughout the United States. Hawaii is a critical part of the viability of our U.S. farmers and food production. As farmers, we take our environmental stewardship and the seeds we grow very seriously as it is our farm families livelihood at stake to care for the land and produce safe products for many future generations to come. Because of sound science and genetic modification, farmers are able to be more viable to address the many on-going agricultural challenges. Science and technology has helped farmers and ranchers become more efficient while increasing production. The regulatory requirements of GE organisms are very extensive and thorough. The USDA, FDA and EPA all work together on all aspects of regulating genetically engineered organisms from agriculture, food safety, and the environment. In addition to these strict government regulations, over 600 independent studies have repeatedly found that GE plants are as safe to eat as conventionally grown food. The American Medical Association and the World Health Organization have also come to the same conclusion. We appreciate the importance of Hawaii's agriculture to the American farmer and the role it has on making food affordable for all U.S. citizens, including Hawaii and the Big Island. There needs to be more dialogue with all concerned to gain a better appreciation and understanding of this complex issue. Finally, the proud people of Hawaii, Washington state, and all the states that make up our Union, must consider the global impacts that local bans may have on the usage of GE seed. Many African nations are looking to us for guidance on policy development on crucial issues like this. And please remember that the use of this technology is seen by many as an important tool to feeding an ever increasing world population; the absence of nutritious food remains a serious problem in much of Asia and Africa. For these reasons, we respectfully urge the Council to vote No on Bill 79. Sincerely, '1 Tom Davis Director of Government Relations Washington Farm Bureau tdavis @wsfb.com