...
The Hawai'i Orchid Growers Association, which represents about 150 members, wanted U.S. courts to ban imports of potted phalaenopsis orchids from Taiwan. But the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. ruled against the Hawai'i growers late last month.
The growers, fearful that Taiwanese imports will jeopardize the state's $24 million orchid industry, have vowed to continue their fight. However, with free trade efforts creating an increasingly global marketplace, they realize they may be fighting a losing battle.
...
Before January, orchid growers in Taiwan could only export young, bare-root plants to the United States, where they would be potted and grown before being sold as older, more expensive plants. This year the U.S. Department of Agriculture changed the rules, allowing Taiwan farmers to export the more mature, pricier potted orchids directly into the United States.
The Hawai'i orchid growers argue the Taiwan imports could bring plant-eating thrips and other pesky insects...
Apart from environmental concerns, local growers worry they won't be able to compete with Taiwan growers who receive large government subsidies and have lower land and labor costs.
...
Consumers may eventually benefit from lower prices. The cost would come in the form of lost jobs..."
source : http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2005/Apr/10/bz/bz03p.html
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