Proposed Rule Change for Export of Hawaiian Fruits and Vegetables

VincentD — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 01:23:00 GMT

USDA APHIS is proposing new regulations regarding the export of Hawaiian fruits and vegetables to the U.S. mainland. This is a proposed rule and the comment period is open until August 18, 2008 . To read the Federal register description of the proposed...(read more)

Honolulu Fruit Irradiator Approved

VincentD — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 00:31:00 GMT

According to a story in the on-line Honolulu Star Bulletin for August 20, 2007, Pa'ina Hawaii has been granted a license by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to build and operate a fresh fruit and vegetable irradiator near the Honolulu airport. The principle function of the irradiator will be for phytosanitary treatment of locally-produced fruits and vegetables bound for the mainland. You can read the press release from the U.S. NRC here. It is expected that several environmental groups will continue their opposition to the project.

This is a difficult issue - insect pests in Hawaii prevent many locally-produced fresh fruits and vegetables to be exported to the mainland. It hurts Hawaii growers. The proposed location, on Palekona near Lagoon Drive and near the Honolulu International Airport has been a serious concern by environmental groups, due to the potential for contamination of the ocean, among other reasons.

Sustainable Agriculture : plant quarantine

Proposed Rule Change for Export of Hawaiian Fruits and Vegetables

Honolulu Fruit Irradiator Approved