[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 57 (Tuesday, May 1, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING HIYAMA FARMS

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                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2001

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hiyama Farms 
for being named Industry of the Year. The Fowler Chamber of Commerce 
will present the award to Hiyama Farms at Fowler's annual Community 
Recognition Banquet.
  Hiyama Farms is truly a family operation. Kazuo and Edith Hiyama 
purchased 20 acres of vines in Eastern Fowler during the 1930's. Over 
the years the farm has gradually grown, increasing their acreage and 
focusing on growing tree fruit. The farm currently produces Zante 
currant raisins, cherries and tree fruit. Howard, the son of Kazuo and 
Edith, operates the farm with the help of his sons, Darren and Gene, 
and his brother Dean Hiyama.
  Hiyama Farms is one of the original growers to associate with the 
Fowler Packing Company and they share many of their innovative farming 
inventions with them. Kazuo invented agricultural equipment called 
``automatic movable platforms.'' His invention greatly improved pruning 
and thinning of fruit trees. Before the advent of mechanized farming, 
Hiyama Farms utilized ``dried on the vine,'' mechanical raisin 
harvesters, and other efficient farming practices. The Hiyama sons' 
current goal is to continue to improve the mechanization of the farm. 
These innovative farming methods singles out Hiyama Farms of Fowler as 
a leader in agriculture.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Hiyama Farms for their Industry of 
the Year Award presented by the Fowler Chamber of Commerce. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in wishing the Hiyama family and Hiyama Farms 
many more years of continued success.

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