Here’s good news for Hawai’i: Growers and shippers of fruit on the islands can start doing business with the mainland without the complications of federal fruit-fly quarantines. The quarantines will go away for fruit treated by X-rays at a new
Here’s good news for Hawai’i: Growers and shippers of fruit on the islands can start doing business with the mainland without the complications of federal fruit-fly quarantines.
The quarantines will go away for fruit treated by X-rays at a new plant in Keaau. Funded by a $2.9 million federal loan and operated by Hilo-based Hawaii Pride, the plant will treat papaya and other tropical fruit beginning later this month. Officials expect more than 25 million pounds of fruit and flowers zapped at the facility will be shipped annually.
The quarantine-free produce will be an economic plus for farmers.
The easier method of getting fruit from farm to market is also expected to boost planting of papaya trees on the Big Island.
This blending of technology and agriculture is an example of how modern advances can help give Hawai’i a stronger economic footing.
