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Agricultural Biotech in the Islands
Overview and Economic Impact
Monsanto Hawaii is part of Hawaii's growing seed industry, valued at $98 million and providing more than 2,000 jobs, including many skilled and high-paying positions. Monsanto Hawaii alone currently employs approximately 650 employees statewide.
According to an economic analysis commissioned by the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation (HFBF), the Hawaii seed industry today contributes approximately $144 million of economic activity annually to our state’s economy. This translates to $7 million in annual taxes to the state and $53 million in annual labor income.
In addition to its economic contributions, Hawaii’s seed industry benefits the state by providing employment for people living in rural areas who do not participate in the tourism industry. Many of these jobs are well paying, technical positions that provide opportunities for local college graduates to remain in Hawaii to pursue successful careers. The seed industry also helps keep farm lands in productive agricultural use, and by the nature of its business, is significantly less demanding on natural resources than other types of agricultural operations.
Hawaii's biotechnology jobs are not easily exportable. Whereas other types of agriculture have waned in Hawaii due to competition from other countries, there are few places in the world that are as ideal as the Hawaiian Islands for agricultural biotechnology. This industry is therefore likely to remain a growing source of good, lasting jobs for the foreseeable future.
Hawaii has proven to be an ideal location for Monsanto's agricultural operations. The islands' year-round growing environment and minimal temperature fluctuations, the state's dynamic regulatory and legal environment, and our diverse and capable workforce all contribute to the success of Monsanto's global operations.
The Hawaiian Papaya Story
Agricultural biotech is credited with saving Hawaii's papaya industry from a ringspot virus that threatened to devastate the industry. As a result, we're able to enjoy the Rainbow Papaya, and local farmers can continue to thrive.
