Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center Staffing ($700,000)
The requested funding would be used to support the Center's plans to add two new scientist positions in organic/sustainable agriculture and value-added/biofuels production.
{With the completion of Phase I construction, it is essential that additional funds be provided to PBARC to begin execution of staffing plans for this new laboratory facility. More specifically, the two priority areas on the staffing plan are a scientist focused on sustainable and organic agriculture and a scientist to develop new value-added products, especially as they relate to crops that can be used for feeds and that may be used for biofuels.
There is a significant need for sound information and data on growing organic crops in Hawaii in sustainable ways. Similarly, Hawaii has become a major focal point on activities for becoming more energy self-sufficient. Many crops, such as grasses and algae and other crops that are adaptable to Hawaii’s climate will be investigated as sources of biofuels. The cost of growing materials in Hawaii is very high. Developing multiple value-added products, such as livestock feed, from these biofuel crops will enhance their potential and create new lines of products that would ultimately make growing the crop more profitable.}
Recipient: ARS-Pacfic Basin Agricultural Research Center
99 Aupuni Street, Suite 204
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Why this is a good use of taxpayer dollars: There is a significant need for sound information and data on growing organic crops in Hawaii in sustainable ways. Similarly, Hawaii has become a major focal point on activities for becoming more energy self-sufficient. Many crops, such as grasses and algae and other crops that are adaptable to Hawaii's climate will be investigated as sources of biofuels. The cost of growing materials in Hawaii is very high. Developing multiple value-added products, such as livestock feed, from these biofuel crops will enhance their potential and create new lines of products that would ultimately make growing the crop more profitable.
