- 20 - the research, there would have been no consideration given to altering the climatic conditions at the plantation with wind machines. For a research project, Luna explained, the procedures and conditions would have been followed to a conclusion so that the researchers could learn from the outcome. The attempt to obtain financing to purchase wind machines reflected an attempt to continue the commercial operation of the plantation as a farming operation. Luna indicated that some of the projects or activities on the 130-acre tract farmed for Yuma Mesa during the period in question might have been conducted as research activities. The two areas of possible research activity were: (1) Herbicide testing; and (2) the effects of water conservation and fertilizer utilization on jojoba. Luna estimated that of the 130 acres available for research activities, activities that might have been conducted for research were only carried out on approximately 14 acres. The record does not establish whether the studies in question were conducted entirely on the land devoted to operations for Yuma Mesa. Yuma Mesa did not provide Luna with any documentation indicating amounts paid or costs incurred by the partnership or its representatives for any of the studies. In the report he prepared with respect to the Cactus Wren partnership, Luna concluded that the activities performed on thePage: Previous 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011