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Monsanto to expand long-term agriculture on Oahu, plans to preserve internment camp site, dedicate portion of land toward community initiatives
(April 4, 2007) - Monsanto Company has entered into an agreement to acquire approximately 2,300 acres of agricultural-zoned land in Kunia, Oahu, from the James Campbell Company. Monsanto intends to keep this land in long-term agricultural use.
"We're extremely pleased to be able to continue our commitment to Hawaii through this transaction," said Terry Miller, business manager for Monsanto Hawaii. "As an agricultural company, we look forward to keeping these lands in productive agricultural use for the long-term."
"We are pleased that a global leader in agriculture will be acquiring this land," said Bert Hatton, executive vice president of Hawaii land management, the James Campbell Company. "This is clearly a win for the State of Hawaii and the state's agriculture industry."
Monsanto Hawaii has committed to devote a portion of its land toward community initiatives that would promote agricultural education and activities. The company will be meeting with nonprofit organizations in the coming months to explore potential community relationships.
"There is great interest within the local ag community to do more in the way of agricultural, vocational, science and technology education, and encouraging our younger generations to get really excited about ag and its importance to Hawaii," said Paul Koehler, scientific and community affairs manager for Monsanto Hawaii. "We're excited at the prospect of being able to support those kinds of endeavors."
Of the total acreage being purchased, approximately 1,600 are suitable for farming. The remaining land area, some 700 acres, is expected to remain as open space. The terms of the sales agreement were not disclosed.
Included on the land is a former World War II internment camp. Monsanto Hawaii intends to work with appropriate community members and organizations to help preserve and protect the site.
"We recognize the cultural and historic significance of the camp," said Koehler. "We intend to leave the camp site undisturbed, and will work with appropriate community members and organizations to help preserve and protect this site."
The land area being purchased was formerly used to grow pineapple and diversified agricultural crops. The acquisition means Monsanto Hawaii will be significantly expanding its workforce on Oahu. The company has been actively seeking qualified job applicants for positions statewide and recently hired a number of agriculture workers who had been displaced by cutbacks and closures elsewhere in Hawaii.
Monsanto Hawaii currently employs approximately 600 full-time and 100 seasonal employees
statewide.
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