The three containers of plants cleared plant quarantine inspection in Japan last month, after checking for nematodes, a type of worm. This is the first shipment of potted palms from Hawaii approved under the certification program.

The plants were displayed to buyers from Tokyo and Nagoya.

"Judging from the reception here in Japan, there is much demand for quality plants from Hawaii," said Letita Uyehara, deputy state director of agriculture. "The export potential for Hawaii-grown foliage is enormous with Japan's interior foliage wholesale market at $259 million (a year)."

In the past, Hawaii growers have been hesitant to promote and market potted foliage plants in Japan as a result of the country's stringent quarantine and inspection requirements, Uyehara said.

However, for the past two years Hawaii officials have been working with the Japan Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, the American Embassy in Tokyo, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to get approval for plants and the soil in which they are grown.

The certification program for Hawaii plants received preliminary approval last December with the first test shipment of plants to Japan.

The Hawaii plants came from the Pleasonton Corp. in Waimanalo and Puna Certified Nursery in Kurtistown on the Big Island.

Only certified growers will be able to ship to Japan, according to the state agriculture department.