Letter to Michael Scuse, Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services - Prioritize Exporting Hawaii Macadamia Nut

Letter

Dear Under Secretary Scuse:

Aloha. I write to request that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agriculture Services (FAS) provide macadamia nuts greater visibility on its export list to foreign markets, including India.

During a recent trip to India at the personal invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I met with India's government, military, and business leaders to explore topics of mutual interest, including trade and agriculture. In a meeting with Srimati Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State of Commerce and Industry, we discussed ideas to increase commerce and minimize barriers to more foreign investments. At another meeting with Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Governor Mridula Sinha, we discussed establishing a "sister state" relationship between Hawai`i and Goa with the aim of increasing economic and cultural exchanges.

India, a strong ally of the United States, is the world's 10th largest economy measured in terms of gross domestic production (GDP). Its GDP grew a respectable 4.7 and 5.5 percent in 2013 and 2014. It is a member of the economically powerful G-20 organization, and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), an association of the globe's five major emerging national economies.

A recent Global Agriculture Information Network report by FAS recognized the growth potential of almond exports to India in 2015. Given India's growing population and expanding middle class, Hawai`i, as one of the world's largest producers of macadamia nuts, has an opportunity to establish a niche market for a U.S. grown savory nut. In 2013, Hawai`i farmers generated more than $36 million in revenue from 12.6 million pounds of processed macadamia nuts grown on 17,000 acres of land. Growth in Hawai`i's macadamia nut industry would greatly expand rural business and employment opportunities.

FAS assistance in promoting Hawai`i grown macadamia nuts to the India market is a positive step forward in forging a stronger U.S.-India relationship. Given the growth of the Indian food retail market and potential expanded opportunities for Hawai`i's agricultural industries, I am requesting that FAS prioritize the macadamia nut in its export recommendations. I look forward to your positive consideration of my request.

Sincerely,

Tulsi Gabbard
Member of Congress

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