| We would like to thank the Imperial Valley Press for its extensive
coverage and editorial regarding our effort to establish sugar cane as a
viable crop in the Imperial Valley. After years of research dealing with
variety selection, cultural techniques, economic and engineering studies,
etc. we appreciate the help on educating the public on what we are all
about.
We would also like to acknowledge the ongoing work being done by Dr.
Paul Sebesta and the University of California as well as the continued
support by Holly Sugar. There are many others, too numerous to mention,
who have helped as well. For a complete list of those who have helped out
see our Website at imperialbioresources.com.
Staff Writer Laura Mitchell has done a great job in articulating the
complex nature of our project. For anyone who read all three articles, it
should be apparent that many people are involved in helping to make this
project become a reality.
There are a few points we would like to make that were really not
within the scope of the articles and editorials. These points are
nonetheless necessary for a better understanding of how we are evolving.
First, we are involved Valleywide. Three of our five new propagation
plots are in the south end being grown by Ben Abatti Sr., Jim Abatti and
Curt Corda. In the north end Paul Cameron, Don Emanuelli, and Spruce Farms
are growing new plots while Craig Elmore and Carson Kalin continue their
variety trials, which are starting their third year.
Secondly, even though sugar beet growers, along with the University of
California and Holly Sugar, started and have supported the research effort
to date, the opportunity to grow cane will be available to those who are
willing to get involved early and share the risks inherent in starting a
new enterprise. Our projections are for 20,000 to 30,000 acres of sugar
cane initially and we estimate that only half or even less will be grown
by current beet growers.
We have some significant hurdles to jump before we can really say we
can make this project work, including dealing with the federal farm bill
and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Energy,
honing our economic and engineering analysis, dealing with state agencies
including the California Energy Commission, the Department of Food and
Agriculture and others, etc. What we want to make abundantly clear is that
we are a Valleywide effort open to any grower or investor who wants to
step up to the plate and take a swing at the future.
We thank everyone who has supported us. Keep in mind that our primary
goal is to keep our local beet refinery open and preserve the jobs
associated with growing and refining 25,000 acres of beets. |