The Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation recognizes the role unions and union workers have played in Hawai'i and the support they have given to our agriculture industry. At the same time, everyone must recognize that the world economy has changed and agriculture is changing with it. To compete in the global economy, Hawai'i's agriculture industry needs dynamic companies, innovative farmers and flexible workers who can adapt quickly to changes in the market. That's why it's disturbing to see legislation, referred to as "card check," pending in the Hawai'i Legislature and in the U.S. Congress.

The major benefit of a union is to improve the plight of the worker. Hawai'i's low unemployment rate means that employers are competing for a limited workforce. According to the Hawai'i Department of Agriculture, the average wage paid for the period of Jan. 11-17, 2009, was $12.69 per hour in Hawai'i. This compares to $11.16 per hour in California and $10.93 per hour nationally (excluding Alaska).

Our farmers and ranchers often compete against other economic sectors for their workers and pay higher salaries and benefits to not only get but to retain workers. Hawai'i's prepaid medical laws provide benefits to workers that may not be the norm in other areas of the country.

According to The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, a recent national survey showed that three out of four voters (74 percent) oppose the "The Employee Free Choice Act"; 74 percent of union households also strongly oppose the measure.

The bill in the state Legislature would have a broad impact. It would apply to workers covered by the Hawai'i Employment Relations Act, Chapter 377.

In addition to most agricultural workers, it affects non-retail businesses with less than $50,000 in annual sales; retail businesses with less than $500,000 in annual sales; small nonprofit organizations; daycare centers with less than $250,000 in gross annual revenues; and hotels, motels, apartments and condominiums with less than $500,000 in annual revenues. It also will impact taxicab companies with less than $500,000 in total annual revenues; law firms and legal-aid programs with less than $250,000 in gross annual revenue; some art museums; and colleges, universities, and secondary schools with less than $1 million in annual revenue.

Agriculture in Hawai'i is already at a competitive disadvantage due to the cost and availability of land and water, transportation costs, and the impact of invasive species. Worker productivity is key to viability.

If passed, this bill will stall our efforts to become more self-sufficient in food production and will lessen opportunities for agricultural workers. Technology is changing rapidly and workers must be able to do different tasks at different times and in different ways without having to check in with a supervisor or union boss. The days of extensive labor-intensive operations are gone — maximum productivity equals mechanization, and automation involving skill sets that require continuous learning.

The only common element at farms large and small across the state today is diversity. Although some of the seed companies in Hawai'i today approach the size of what were our smaller sugar cane and pineapple operations, these companies and their workers are highly flexible and must remain so to compete.

We must empower Hawai'i's workers by giving them the training they need to help grow the agricultural industry in our state. Unions can have a seat at the table as we discuss the way forward, but the traditional union model can't be part of the deal. I know what we are suggesting is difficult. But all of us in the business world are making difficult decisions. We need to set the stage for the new tomorrow.

The future of Hawai'i's agriculture industry is in question and the card check measure will thwart the progress we've made. Legislators should oppose this bill so that agriculture can continue to evolve into a strong, sustainable industry for Hawai'i's future.

Dean Okimoto is the president of the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation. He wrote this commentary for The Advertiser. Jim Tollefson, president and CEO of The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, contributed to this commentary.