| When we first heard several months ago that a group of local farmers
were pursuing plans to make sure sugar cane a staple crop in the Valley,
we strongly supported the idea. At the time they were talking about all
the possible uses of sugar cane, and how it could be a green crop
one not requiring field burnings. They talked about the economic
benefit of a sugar cane crop and it sounded good.
Today, it sounds even better.
Those farmers have formed a group called Imperial Bioresources LLC, and
they have firm plans that call not only for growing sugar cane but for
using the cane to produce ethanol, a valuable fuel resource. Their plans
call for expanding the Holly Sugar plant, creating new jobs and adding to
the economic development in the Imperial Valley.
All those involved in the project deserve praise because they are
forward thinking. Sure, they are likely thinking about a way to increase
their own profits, but it is their effort that is going to benefit us all.
The Imperial Valley has the highest unemployment rate in the state and
with that, one of the lowest if not the lowest average income rates. That
is nothing new. Its been an ongoing issue in the Valley for many years.
We are fortunate to have people who arent willing to sit down and
just accept that things cannot change. They can. If people are willing to
take new steps, to experiment, to expand on the resources that we already
have, we can have new development. In the end, we can have jobs for those
in need and we can see an improved economy.
The founding of the Imperial Valley came about because a few people had
vision. Water started to flow into this desert region because people had
vision. Today, we are finding that people still have vision. Those with
Imperial Bioresources have shown that same kind of vision, and their
efforts are going to benefit future generations.
But, there still is more work to be done. The effort is still just
getting started. It will take time, money and a sustained effort to make
sugar cane a profitable crop in the Imperial Valley. We wish those with
Imperial Bioresources luck in their effort to raise funds and to stay
focused on their ultimate goal.
We also urge people in the Imperial Valley to continue to seek out new
ways to bring about growth and development. This Valley can have a strong
future if people are willing to work hard to achieve it. |