Categorized | Agriculture

Ag board to address CBB, fungus (Feb. 22)

MEDIA RELEASE

WHO: HDOA Board of Agriculture
WHEN: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22
WHERE: IMIN Center, Holualoa
WHY: The Board will be deciding on whether to allow the general use and importation of Botanigard (Beauveria bassiana fungus) to assist in the control of CBB

The bassiana fungus is one of the primary weapons used in the fight against CBB. It is currently illegal in Hawaii, but a measure to allow importation is before the Board.

The Kona Coffee Farmers Association has driven this issue with the HDOA and the Board.

The KCFA needs your support to see that final approval is given. We would like a large number of farmers present. If you wish to testify in person, please do so. If you wish to just provide a written email of support that will be helpful as well.

We believe the Board will pass these measures as Chairman Kokubun has made the effort to bring this meeting to Kona. The KCFA would like the farmers to take this opportunity to show our political will as well as our support for HDOA’s cooperation in finding solutions to the CBB.

Email testimony can be sent to hdoa.board.testimony@hawaii.gov by Monday, Feb. 21.

In person testimony, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22 at Imin Center in Holualoa. Testimony is taken in order of the sign-in sheet.

HDOA Board Proposal:

Request to: Allow the importation of pesticides Botanigard ES and Mycotrol O, each containing Beauveria bassiana

Support:

1) Beauveria bassiana is already naturally occurring in Hawaii, and USDA studies have shown no additional concerns with the commercial version.

2) The fungus has been the only safe and effective pesticide found in the international fight against CBB.

3) To protect the current crop, the commercial spray should be used 60 days after coffee flowering, making time of the essence for Kona farmers.

4) This pesticide can be used on both traditional and organic farms, and presents no harm to farm workers, nor to our environment.

— Find out more:
Kona Coffee Farmers Association: www.konacoffeefarmers.org

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