Taiwanese Orchid Production Line (Hawai'i farmers loose - thanks Bush)

[The Sushi Bandit]

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/24/business/worldbusiness/24orchid.html?hp

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A federal court in the United States is scheduled to hear arguments this autumn from Hawaiian orchid growers who contend that Taiwan's ambitions threaten their livelihood and the environment.

"What effect would it have on the ecology, and the safety of our plants, with the introduction of pathogens and pests and so forth from Southeast Asia?" asked Walter Moé, the president of the Hawaii Orchid Growers Association. The Hawaiian growers are also upset by what they see as unfair subsidies from Taiwan's Democratic Progressive government, which favors greater independence from mainland China.

The government of Taiwan is paying $65 million to cover the construction costs of everything except the greenhouses - and is offering government-backed, 10-year loans at 2 percent interest to help farmers build those.