Printed in the Maui Weekly

Commentary, Friday, April 20, 2007
Commentary contributed by Michael Conway · Vice President, Hawai‘i Coffee Growers Association

Farmers Need Options

Agricultural science and technology are the tools researchers need to solve farmers’ problems.

Legislation calling for a moratorium on genetically engineered taro and coffee are a needless waste of time for the Committees on Agriculture and should be struck down. In fact, it’s puzzling why legislation is even considered for coffee since it doesn’t have the cultural ties taro claims to hold, and even that is a subject for separate debate. First and foremost, our policymakers must appreciate the struggles of agriculture businesses in Hawai‘i and understand this is just the “tip of the iceberg.” Farmers today are not only interested in reducing production costs, but also in becoming good stewards of the environment for generations to come.

Biotechnology can be of great assistance in improving yield and reducing dependence on pesticides. A ban on biotechnology will not only impact growers negatively, but set Hawai‘i apart as the first state in the nation to prohibit genetic engineering of certain crops. Restricting biotechnology will be the platform special interest groups are hoping for, and launch a trend towards bans on other crops. Agricultural science and technology must have the tools researchers need to solve farmers’ problems, introduce new varieties and, most importantly, allow them a fair chance for success.

Adolph Helm of the Hawai‘i Crop Improvement Association recently spelled it out: rather than legislation of coffee and taro, the challenge is to find compromise through discussion with the Hawaiian community, government, industry and academia, with the goal of allowing farmers the option to choose their preferred growing methods.