State must take lead in GMO debate

That a Big Island councilwoman would seek to revive a bill banning all genetically modified crops on Hawaii island, even though strict limits on such agriculture were approved only a month ago under another bill, indicates just how emboldened biotechnology foes have become in their quest to control Hawaii farmers.

The measure is not expected to pass, and should be rejected. It should not, however, be ignored, especially on Oahu. Councilwoman Brenda Ford’s proposal signals that rather than taking responsible action to assess the impact on local agriculture of the newly approved Bill 113, some elected officials are willing to put productive local farmers flat out of business.

Bill 113 is bad enough — banning open-air cultivation of genetically modified plants except for farmers already growing them — but Ford wants to rid the island of every current GMO crop and prevent cultivation of any new ones.

She’s not alone in this goal, which represents an unfair attack on Hawaii farmers, cattle ranchers, dairy farmers and flower growers who produce the largest segment of Hawaii livestock and agriculture.

The approach also exhibits an unwarranted distrust of University of Hawaii specialists in tropical agriculture.

These scientists describe biotechnology not only as safe, but as an essential tool in farmers’ continual struggle to combat crop viruses, pests and other blights; remain competitive in a global economy; and produce higher-yield, drought-resistant crops to help sustain the world’s growing population in an era of climate change.

Many residents know that biotechnology saved Hawaiian papaya from being decimated by the ringspot virus, which is spread by insects. Not only did the genetic modification save the fruit, it reduced the use of pesticides formerly needed to kill the insects.

Afflicted Big Island tomatoes and bananas could be similarly helped, but Bill 113 prevents the open-air testing necessary needed to refine techniques first tried in greenhouses.

It’s no exaggeration that the U.S. military’s Asia- Pacific pivot will increase traffic to Hawaii from throughout a vast region. Invasive species and diseases that catch a ride on cargo jets are a constant threat to Hawaii agriculture, and biotechnology can help keep them at bay. With no wintry frosts to kill off insects, viruses and other pests as in colder climates, Hawaii farmers battle blight year-round and need a full toolbox at their disposal.

Agricultural policy should never be set without a full and fair hearing of the people who are actually producing food for our consumption, but that is what appears to be happening in Hawaii at the moment.

The Hawaii County Council declined to form a task force to study the full implications of Bill 113 before approving it, despite being urged to do so, and the decision has implications for anyone who buys food in this state.

The state Legislature may be able to undo this wrong, but it will take true leadership and real political courage. Lawmakers should assert the state government’s authority over agricultural rules and enforcement, rather than standing by as the counties continue to impose undue burdens on local farmers.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie should seek advice from the attorney general now on the state’s options, and release that advice to lawmakers and to the public, so that all can see the state government is acting within its authority.

It’s important to set a strong, fact-based, transparent tone on this issue from the outset of the upcoming legislative session.

For months now, Hawaii’s small, local farmers have been caught in the crossfire of an issue that conflates legitimate concerns about the global dominance of Big Ag and environmental concerns about pesticide use with fear-mongering GMO disinformation that demonizes farmers and ranchers who defend the careful use of biotechnology and stigmatizes the products they produce.

It’s time for elected officials and policymakers throughout the state to stand up and be counted. Let’s have an "Eat GMO Papaya Day." This food is safe, it’s affordable and it’s grown right here at home.

Destroying a safe, legal industry that creates local jobs and feeds local families should not be on any politician’s to-do list.

Clearly, there also is strong demand for organic and GMO-free food and drinks, and farmers and ranchers — who are business people after all — should seek to fill that market, too. They should not, however, be impeded from pursuing conventional farming if the choose, or from using biotechnology.

Sustaining viable agricultural operations in Hawaii is no easy task.

It’s time for the governor and state Legislature to stand up for local farmers.