Hawaii Coffee Association NEWS

Rep. Jill Tokuda's Savoring Aloha

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 19:08:24 GMT

Read the update from Chris Manfredi, former HCA President, on his advocating efforts in DC.

2023 Post-Conference Press Release

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 17:25:16 GMT

PDF Format

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 20, 2023

From: Hawaii Coffee Association

Contact: HCA President Fred Cowell, fcowell@kauaicoffee.com

Photos/captions of cupping judging and winners: ferng@hawaii.rr.com

HAWAII COFFEE ASSOCIATION NAMES STATEWIDE CUPPING,

LATTE ART THROWDOWN WINNERS AT 28^TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

HAWAII— Winners of the Hawaii Coffee Association’s 14^th Annual Statewide Coffee Cupping Competition and the inaugural Latte Art Throwdown were announced during the 28^th Hawaii Coffee Association Conference June 15-17 at the Kauai Beach Resort & Spa.

Also on tap was a record number of interactive workshops and lectures with seminars covering everything from water sensory to roast theory. Activities included a field grafting workshop with a how-to session guiding growers for implementing varietal replacement along with panel discussions on Coffee Leaf Rust and Farm Profitability.

“The conference was a success and the overall mood was positive and upbeat, despite the challenges facing our industry,” notes HCA President Fred Cowell of Kauai Coffee Company. “We were especially pleased to see so many new faces from across our industry that represented a broader spectrum than just growers and processors.”

Headlining the program was a keynote by Certified Q Grader Marc Marquez of Savor Brands and the election of HCA’s Board of Directors. New to the event was a beverage cart serving espresso favorites for attendees.

“Our workshops, seminars, presentations and vendor displays were specifically relevant to the challenges facing our industry,” adds Cowell. “The teamwork of the organizers was evident from start to finish; many mahalos to everyone involved.”

Statewide Cupping Competition Results

Sixty-eight entries, down from 94 in 2022, vied in the 14^th Statewide Hawaii Coffee Association Cupping Competition. Brittany Horn, HCA cupping committee chair and co-owner of Pacific Coffee Research (PCR), notes this year’s lower turnout is likely due to increasing challenges during this past harvest season.

“Growers are facing labor shortages, unpredictable weather and climate changes, plus increasing costs of inputs, lower yields and quality due to Coffee Leaf Rust and Berry Borer,” explains Horn. “Yet there were gems that shined bright in this competition.”

The top-scoring coffee with 87 points was a Kona-grown parchment-dried (washed process without use of commercial yeast inoculants) Red Bourbon variety produced by Kopiko Farm. Miranda Farms, of the Ka’u District, entered a parchment-dried Gesha variety placing second with a score of 86.75. Greenwell Farms of Kona earned a score of 86.35 with a fruit-dried (natural process) Gesha variety.

The top 10 highest scoring coffees were recognized and awards were also presented to the top coffees produced in Hawaii Department of Agriculture-recognized growing regions located throughout the islands. Top placing coffees by district included Kamaole Ranch of Maui, earning 84.60 with a Red Catuai variety. On Oahu, Maunawili Coffee’s Bourbon variety earned 83.50 while Hog Heaven Coffee’s Typica variety of Hamakua earned 81.70.

“There is no doubt that challenges will be present in an ever-changing environment but growers who remain open, adaptable and curious, while sharing in each other’s successes, will provide the path forward for the Hawaii Coffee community,” emphasizes Horn. “I encourage all entrants to utilize the abundant resources that exist in Hawaii—our universities, our scientists, our professionals and each other— as we continue to navigate.”

Kona-based PCR organized the competition utilizing a judging panel composed of local licensed Q graders led by Madeleine Longoria Garcia, PCR co-owner. Other judges included Alaka'i Kapanui, head roaster at PCR; Marc Marquez, coffee director at Savor Brands; Eric Musil, equipment technician at PCR; and Alex Brooks, independent post-harvest processing consultant. Horn served as head competition facilitator and was assisted by Meg Duka and Elizabeth Pietras.

The panel employed the standard Specialty Coffee Association’s cupping methodology and scoring format. The precise and blind judging is a form of scientific sensory analysis where coffees are evaluated and scored based on a variety of subtle characteristics: flavor, aroma, acidity, aftertaste, body, balance, overall cup experience, presence of sweetness, lack of defect and uniformity.

Baristas Vie in Inaugural Throwdown Competition

The conference concluded with the Latte Art Throwdown and closing party at Collab Café where participants created beverages judged on creativity, taste and presentation by Tim Kilby of La Marzocco, Carl Wigren of Kona Bae Farm and Madeleine Longoria Garcia of PCR. Earning the top three awards in order were Daryl Fukunaga of Oahu, Kymmi Towey of Kauai and Kyla Villamor of Oahu.

“The Throwdown was off da hook with lots of knowledge bombs from the folks from LaMarzocco USA, Urnex and the Coffee Tech Guild,” says Ben Fitt of Collab Café.

New Board of Directors Named

The 2023-24 HCA Board of Directors features representation spanning a variety of businesses positioned throughout the coffee supply chain including growers, processors, wholesalers, roasters and retailers. They include Fred Cowell of Kauai Coffee Company, Tom Greenwell of Greenwell Farms, Abby Munoz of Monarch Coffee, Bill Dwyer of Kona Mountain Coffee, Chris Speere of the Maui Coffee Assoc., Juli Burden of the Hawaii Agricultural Research Center, Kelleigh Stewart of Big Island Coffee Roasters, Dave Bateman of Heavenly Hawaiian Farms, Ryson Nakamasu of Honolulu Coffee Company, Kimo Falconer of Hawaii Coffee Growers Assoc., Suzanne Shriner of Kona Coffee Farmers Assoc., Ferrell Daste of Kona Hills, Gerard Bastiaanse of Hawaii Coffee Company, Donna Woolley of Island Sun and Alla Kostenko of A Coffee Fam.

Conference exhibitors included American AgCredit, Bendig, CenterScale, University of Hawaii CTAHR, Delta Technology Corp., FedEx, Gearmore, Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Lind Insurance, NorthShore Creative Group, Nutrien Ag, Satake, Simplot, USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office, Veritiv Corp. and Weco.

Major sponsors of the HCA Conference were Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Gowan, County of Kauai, Simplot, BadAss Coffee, Chris Manfredi, Kauai Coffee, Mahi Pono, Roast Magazine, Wecotek, American AgCredit, Big Island Coffee Roasters, FedEx, Honolulu Coffee, Ka‘u Coffee Mill, KTA, LaMarzocco, Matson, RCIS, Satake, Savor Brands, Flavor Waves, Kona Hills and Outpost Coffee.

Complete results for the cupping competition are posted at Cupping Competition Winners.

The Hawaii Coffee Association’s mission is to represent all sectors of the Hawaii coffee industry, including growers, millers, wholesalers, roasters and retailers. The HCA’s primary objective is to increase awareness and consumption of Hawaiian coffees. A major component of HCA’s work is the continuing education of members and consumers. Its annual conference has continued to grow, gaining international attention.

Learn more about the HCA at www.hawaiicoffeeassoc.org

~ END ~

Info to be included with distributed photos:
Rick Merker of Maunawili Coffee is the Oahu District winner of the HCA Statewide Cupping Competition. Photo by Mariah L. Standal, courtesy of Hawaii Coffee Association

Rob Lind of Kamaole Ranch is the Maui District winner of the HCA Statewide Cupping Competition. Photo by Mariah L. Standal, courtesy of Hawaii Coffee Association

Top HCA Statewide Cupping Competition finishers in the Hawaii Island Kau District are from left: Delvin Navarro, Navarro Farms; Leo Norberte, JN Farms; and Berta and Jose Miranda, Miranda Farms. Photo by Mariah L. Standal, courtesy of Hawaii Coffee Association

Top HCA Statewide Cupping Competition finishers in the Hawaii Island Kona District are from left: Tom Greenwell, Kopiko Farm; Susy Spradlin-Stille and Greg Stille, Monarch Coffee; and Ben Greenwell, Greenwell Farms. Photo by Mariah L. Standal, courtesy of Hawaii Coffee Association

Winners of the HCA Latte Art Throwdown on Kauai are from front left: Daryl Fukunaga, Kymmi Towey and Kyla Villamor. Judging the new competition were from back left: Tim Kilby of LaMarzocco, Carl Wigren of Kona Bae Farm, and Madeleine Longoria Garcia of PCR. Photo by Mariah L. Standal, courtesy of Hawaii Coffee Association

A panel of five licensed Q graders judged the HCA 14^th Statewide Cupping Competition using the standard Specialty Coffee Association’s cupping methodology and scoring format. Photo by Mariah L. Standal, courtesy of Hawaii Coffee Association

U.S. coffee welcomes new bill to protect coffee supplies

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 23:50:12 GMT

February 10, 2023 – The National Coffee Association (NCA), World Coffee Research (WCR), the Synergistic Hawaii Agricultural Council (SHAC), and the Hawaii Coffee Association (HCA) applaud the Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act (CPHIAA, H.R. 965) introduced Thursday by Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) along with Reps. Jenniffer González-Colón (P.R.), Ed Case (HI-01), and Garret Graves (LA-06) and Sens. Mazie Hirono (HI) and Brian Schatz (HI). The amendment authorizes research to combat pests and diseases that threaten coffee supplies and farmers by expanding the scope of an existing initiative at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The $225 billion U.S. coffee sector and more than 1.6 million U.S. jobs rely on coffee supplies from around the world. Coffee growers in Hawaii and Puerto Rico that supply the lucrative specialty coffee market in the United States, as well as growers in low-income countries, are particularly vulnerable to pests and disease. The CPHIAA will accelerate agricultural research to help overcome these challenges while maintaining flavor and quality.

“More Americans (66% of adults) drink coffee each day than any other beverage,” said William “Bill” Murray, President and CEO of the NCA. “As agricultural research and development plays a key role in the future of America’s favorite beverage, NCA urges Congress to advance legislation that prioritizes coffee as a key contributor to Americans’ daily lives, farmers’ livelihoods, and the U.S. economy.”

“From Kona to Maui to Mayaguez, coffee is woven into our island cultures and drives over $500 million in benefits to our communities,” said Suzanne Shriner, Administrator of SHAC. “Hawaiian growers have been devastated by diseases such as leaf rust, which arrived in 2020 and cut crop yields in half after causing $1 billion in damages globally and forcing farm workers, particularly in Central America, to abandon farms and even migrate. This bill focuses needed research attention on our biggest problems, while helping our small farmers stay in business.”[MSM1]

“We are proud to support the Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act,” said Chris Manfredi, Executive Director of the HCA. “This important legislation will help Hawaii target resources toward the most immediate threats to our coffee. By also anticipating future threats, it will enable researchers to quickly pivot as they emerge and ensure the survival of one of Hawaii’s most important crops.”

“The mainland coffee industry in the U.S. will also benefit from this legislation and resulting research,” said Vern Long, CEO of World Coffee Research. “U.S. coffee businesses and drinkers rely on coffee grown around the world. CPHIAA will enable much-needed research at a time when coffee is under severe strain. Public research aligned with industry needs is critical to securing the future of coffee.” [MSM2]

Legislators are seeking to include the CPHIAA in the 2023 Farm Bill to amend a program established in the 1990 Farm Bill that focused exclusively on the coffee berry borer pest.

[MSM1]Suggest shortening each quote and distributing key messages across them, for length and to avoid redundancy.

“From Kona to Maui to Mayaguez, coffee is woven into our island cultures and provides more than $500 million in benefits to our communities. Coffee leaf rust arrived to Hawaii in 2020 and cut crop yields in half. It has caused $1 billion in damage globally and forced coffee farmers, particularly in Latin America, to abandon their farms and even to leave their countries.”

[MSM2]U.S. coffee business and coffee drinkers rely on coffee grown in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and on 25 million smallholder farms around the world. Passing CPHIAA is critical to enable public research aligned with private sector and grower expertise and priorities.”

CPHIAA joint press release.pdf

The Best of Ka‘ū Coffee Auction

Alla Kostenko — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 08:59:18 GMT

What: The Best of Ka‘ū Coffee Auction: A private auction of specialty coffees grown in Ka‘ū District, Hawaii Island

Hosted by: The Alliance for Coffee Excellence and Isla Custom Coffees

Where: For samples and online auction details, visit https://allianceforcoffeeexcellence.org/best-of-kau-coffee/

When: June 15, 2023

On June 15, 2023, Isla Custom Coffees and the Alliance for Coffee Excellence (ACE) will hold the first auction devoted to beans from one of Hawaii’s best-kept secrets: the Ka‘ū District on Hawaii Island.

“We are thrilled to introduce the first regional coffee auction from Hawaii, as well as the first cupping competition exclusively for Ka‘ū growers,” says R. Miguel Meza, Isla’s founder. “As we have grown our Private Auction Collection program since its inception in 2014m we are excited to work with diverse coffee origins and this partnership with Best of Ka‘ū is a great match says, Executive Director of Alliance for Coffee Excellence, Darrin Daniel.

It has been more than 15 years since green beans from Ka‘ū made a splash in the international coffee scene. From 2007-2012, Ka‘ū growers regularly scored in the top 10 of the Coffees of the Year (COTY) events. Organized by the Roasters Guild of America, COTY was among the most prestigious worldwide cupping competitions.

Since COTY’s end, there hasn’t been a competition to demonstrate the quality of Ka‘ū green beans to an international audience. Isla is proud to partner with ACE in selecting and sharing the best coffees this region has to offer. After more than a decade of sourcing Hawaii grown specialty coffees for importers and roasters, Isla has a deep network of Ka‘ū farmers — including ones who have scored highly in COTY events and the Hawaii Coffee Association's statewide cupping competitions.

This marks the second coffee auction that Isla will hold with ACE, building on the successful 2021 Hawaii Specialty Coffee Auction. In March of 2021, Isla worked with its best producers to showcase 16 micro-lots from the Kona and Ka‘ū Districts of Hawaii Island. All were selected for auction by a panel of 18 Cup of Excellence judges from 6 different countries, which are known as a Global Coffee Centers (GCCs)

About The Alliance for Coffee Excellence

Alliance for Coffee Excellence is a global non-profit membership-based organization that brings together the global marketplace in order to create a more transparent and sustainable economic future for high-quality farmers. ACE manages a Global Coffee Center Education Lab, Cup of Excellence samples and Private Collection Auctions. Adhering to ACE’s mission of rewarding exemplary coffee farmers, ACE Private Collection Auctions is a curation of auctions with organizations and farmers who best exemplify ACE’s standards with Cup of Excellence programming. For more information about membership and to register for samples and auctions please visit allianceforcoffeeexcellence.org.

Contact:
Kathia Lopez Rosa.

Auction Manager
Alliance for Coffee Excellence
kathia@cupofexcellence.org

Ka'u Coffee History Short Film

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 19:11:32 GMT

Presented by the Ka‘u Coffee Festival and Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, “The History of Ka‘u Coffee” shares the pioneering spirit and challenges of coffee growers in the state’s largest agricultural region that sprawls windward to leeward on the southern half of Hawai‘i Island.

The Green Coffee Industry in 2022 Saw More Data and Tech

Alla Kostenko — Sat, 07 Jan 2023 03:25:29 GMT

Original Source

Following a 2021 that might be characterized by the generic phrase “logistics issues,” the global coffee industry experienced something like a return to normalcy in 2022.

Of course, normalcy in green coffee production and trade is in and of itself historically characterized by logistical complexity and extreme volatility.

Thus, stakeholders from throughout the coffee universe explored new ways this past year in which to create potentially healthier and more sustainable markets, building upon emerging concepts such as transparency and supply chain equity.

Many of the year’s biggest innovations in green coffee involved data. In various breakthrough examples, these data were tied to green coffee prices, living incomes for farmers, risk calculations for corporations, climate adaptation and production improvements for farmers, and more.

Hawaii coffee makes inroads in Taiwan

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 20:57:03 GMT

Battling the beetle: Officials propose release of wasp to fight coffee berry borer

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 04:01:29 GMT

Original Source

Officials are proposing the release of a parasitoid wasp from Africa to assist in the fight against the invasive coffee berry borer. Continue reading...

UH Pesticide Safety and Education Workshop

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 19:09:26 GMT

For more info...

Learn How to Use Priaxor Xemium Brand Fungicide

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 19:02:07 GMT

To see more...

USDA Previews Crop and Revenue Loss Assistance for Agricultural Producers

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 21:06:17 GMT

New Programs Will Provide Additional Pandemic and Natural Disaster Assistance for 2020 and 2021; Deadline Announced for Previous Emergency Relief

FULL RELEASE

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2022 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced plans for additional emergency relief and pandemic assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA is preparing to roll out the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two as well as the new Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP), which are two programs to help offset crop and revenue losses for producers.  USDA is sharing early information to help producers gather documents and train front-line staff on the new approach.

“We have worked diligently to help agricultural producers bounce back from devastating natural disasters as well as the coronavirus pandemic through an extensive suite of programs,” said Vilsack. “No matter how well we design these targeted efforts, we often find that some producers fall through the cracks or were harmed more severely than their neighbors. These new programs apply a holistic approach to emergency assistance – an approach not focused on any one disaster event or commodity but rather one focused on filling gaps in assistance for agricultural producers who have, over the past few years, suffered losses from natural disasters and the pandemic.”  

ERP Phase Two will assist eligible agricultural producers who suffered eligible crop losses, measured through decreases in revenue, due to wildfires, hurricanes, floods, derechos, excessive heat, winter storms, freeze (including a polar vortex), smoke exposure, excessive moisture and qualifying droughts occurring in calendar years 2020 and 2021.   

PARP will assist eligible producers of agricultural commodities who experienced revenue decreases in calendar year 2020 compared to 2018 or 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. PARP will help address gaps in previous pandemic assistance, which was targeted at price loss or lack of market access, rather than overall revenue losses.   Continue reading...

Final Results from Kona Coffee Cupping Competition

Alla Kostenko — Sun, 13 Nov 2022 20:36:10 GMT

This year's top scoring coffees from the 51st Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Cupping Competition are a collection of unique varieties and some experimental processing methods. 66 coffee entries were submitted into this year's competition. Kona Farm Direct took first place in the Classic Division - reserved for small-holder farms and celebrating innovation - with a fruit-dried (natural-process) Mokka variety scoring 86.42. Top Ten coffees in this division saw a very tight competition and scored within less than 1.5 points of each other. This year's Kona Heritage Award - a parchment-dried (washed) Typica variety in celebration of traditional cultivation techniques in Kona coffee - went to Ka'awaloa Trail Farm finishing in Fifth Place overall and scoring 86.13. The Crown Division award -required HDOA certification for a 500 lb lot and reserved for larger farms and mills - went to a parchment-dried Typica entry from Imagine 100% Kona Coffee scoring 83.65.

The cupping competition strictly followed Specialty Coffee Association cupping methodology and protocol and was hosted by Pacific Coffee Research of Kailua Kona, Hawai'i in their Coffee Quality Institute certified lab.

"I am so proud of the Kona coffee growers' tenacity and dedication to producing quality coffee despite so many obstacles over the past few years. Your pursuit paves way for a younger generation's opportunity to innovate and elevate the Kona coffee industry."

- Brittany Horn, 2022 KCCP Cupping Competition Committee Chair

Kona Coffee Cupping Competition Final Rankings

Taiwan Trade Mission

Alla Kostenko — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 04:50:44 GMT

This week, HCA's SHAC representatives hosted a group of coffee buyers, roasters, and company executives from Taiwan. Ralph Gaston and Madeleine Longoria Garcia coordinated the trip in partnership with the DBEDT offices in Honolulu and Taipei. The group visited coffee growers, mills, roasteries, and cafes in Honolulu, Kona, Ka'ū, and Hilo. There were several opportunities for growers to connect with the group to forge business relationships and increase Hawai‘i coffee knowledge and exports to Taiwan. We look forward to seeing the results of this trip in the coming years.

Respirator Fit Testing Workshops - Sign Up

Alla Kostenko — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 04:32:34 GMT

Respirator fit test training is required annually or when workplace conditions change or a new type of respirator is used.

Under the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) as revised in 2015, there are specific requirements for handlers and applicators when organic and non-organic pesticide labels require the use of a respirator.

Handlers and applicators are employees, owners and family members who apply, load, unload, rinse pesticide application equipment, or do other tasks involving the direct handling of pesticides.

According to OSHA, your employer must provide respirators, training, and medical evaluations at no cost to the employee. Your employer must also provide a medical evaluation to determine employee’s ability to use a respirator, before fit testing and use.

To learn more or register here if you're interested in a future Respirator Fit Test training session.

Coffee Crop Insurance Presentations and LIVE Q&A

Alla Kostenko — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 04:30:57 GMT

Coffee Tasting Workshop in Kona, Nov 9

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 02:28:52 GMT

2023 SCA US Coffee Champs Prelim Winners - Hawaii

Alla Kostenko — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 03:06:49 GMT

The Hawaii Coffee Association (HCA) returned as host of the Hawaii Prelims for the 2023 Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) US CoffeeChamps (USCC). This yearʻs Hawaii Prelims recently presented the Roasters and Brewers Cup Competitions on Oahu. Tradition Coffee Roasters of Kailua offered their venue to host the slate of competitors and their support teams. Open to the public, the two-day event was lively and energetic with music, food trucks, winery and distillery tours, lots of Hawaii-grown coffee beverages and friendly competition.

Honolulu Coffee Company competitors swept the three top rankings for the Brewers Cup competition. Earning first place was returning competitor Thomas Kiesling, using Big Island Coffee Roasters Kona-grown Red Bourbon, washed process (parchment-dried) coffee. Both first-time competitors, Melia Hardin placed second and Rebekah Tucker took third, while returning competitor Kyla Villamor of Cafe Villamor in Honolulu placing fourth. All three used Paradise Coffee’s Ka’u-grown Red Bourbon, natural process (fruit-dried) coffee. Each competitor has a reserved slot in the Qualifying Round in 2023.

In the Brewers Cup Competition, competitors were given 20 minutes to create and serve two individual brews using Hawaii-grown coffee for two sensory judges. The host-provided, Hawaii-grown coffees were sponsored by Hala Tree Coffee, Paradise Coffee and Big Island Coffee Roasters. Competitors utilized manual coffee brewers such as Hario V-60, Fellow Stagg, Clever Dripper and French Press, and then brewed coffee for the judges while giving an eight-minute presentation about their brewing process and the coffee selected. The sensory judge panel included local coffee professionals Juleigh Burden, John Letoto, Ross Broznan, Alex Brooks and Head Judge Brittany Horn of Pacific Coffee Research.

For the first time, the HCA hosted the Roaster Competition, which consists of three components: Cup-To-Profile Presentations, Judges Cupping and Audience Service. Final top three Roaster rankings included Mark Kove of White Nene Coffee Roasters in Kailua-Kona taking first, Thomas Kiesling of Honolulu Coffee placing second and Frank La of Be Bright Coffee of Los Angeles, Calif. earning third. Each has a reserved slot in the 2023 Qualifying Round.

Hawaii Coffee Association Hosts International Roaster and Brewer Competitions on Oahu

Alla Kostenko — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 12:46:02 GMT

KITV Article

Recapturing the pre-pandemic momentum of the 2019 Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) US CoffeeChamps (USCC) Barista & Brewer’s Cup Preliminary Competitions, the Hawaii Coffee Association (HCA) returns as host of the 2023 SCA USCC Hawaii Prelims for the Roasters and Brewers Cup Competitions on Oahu. Competitors will vie for top honors in each category for a chance to advance to the Qualifying Round. The SCA USCC Hawaii Prelim events are August 19-21, 2022 at Tradition Coffee Roasters, 905 Kalanianaole Highway, #3201 in Kailua.

In the Brewers Cup Competition, competitors will be given 20 minutes to create and serve two individual brews using Hawaii-grown coffee for two sensory judges. The host-provided coffees must be sourced from two or more local coffee roasting companies. Competitors may utilize any set of brewing devices of their choosing, so long as they qualify according to the competition rules.

For the first time ever, the HCA is excited to host the Roaster Competition, which consists of three components: Cup-To-Profile Presentations, Judges Cupping and Audience Service. In the Cup-To-Profile Presentations, competitors have five minutes to present, but not serve, their Hawaii-grown coffee to two judges. During the Judges Cupping segment, judges evaluate each competitor’s roasted coffee in a blind cupping. In the third segment, competitors have 20-30 minutes to serve their Hawaii-grown coffee to the audience. Competitors will be evaluated and scored by a head judge and two sensory judges. Competitor’s coffee will be brewed on batch brewers by volunteers before the start of the Audience Service.

This year, the event will be open to the public on August 20-21 at Tradition Coffee Roasters. Those interested in expanding their coffee knowledge, learn more about the intricacies of Hawaii coffee and see how coffee is evaluated are strongly encouraged to attend. There will be various events throughout the day as well as food and entertainment.

“These exciting events are intended to provide a platform on which Hawaii can showcase our local talent on the world stage. Hawaii is home to some of the most skilled coffee professionals anywhere. Their ability to roast and prepare Hawaii-grown coffee is unsurpassed. We’re thrilled that the USCC has chosen Hawaii as the location for this important qualifying event,” said Brittany Horn HCA director and presiding Head Judge for the USCC Brewers Cup.

Deadline for registration for the Roaster and Brewer's Cup Competitions is August 5 and August 15, 2022 respectively. Sponsor opportunities are available.

For more information, visit the HCA’s website: https://hawaiicoffeeassoc.org/USCC-2023-Hawaii

For more information on US Coffee Companionships visit: https://uscoffeechampionships.org/

The Hawaii Coffee Association’s mission is to represent all sectors of the Hawaii coffee industry, including growers, millers, wholesalers, roasters and retailers. The HCA’s primary objective is to increase awareness and consumption of Hawaiian coffees. A major component of HCA’s work is the continuing education of members and consumers. Learn more about the HCA at www.hawaiicoffeeassoc.org

Announcing Signup for FY 2022 Reimbursement Transportation Cost Program (RTCP) - Deadline to Apply is Sept 02, 2022

Alla Kostenko — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 12:37:21 GMT

Aloha!

Signup is ongoing for USDA 2022 Reimbursement Transportation Cost Program (RTCP). The deadline to apply is 09/02/2022.

Please review the eligible/ineligible expense guidelines carefully. Eligible expense provisions will likely be the same. The eligible expense period will be from 10/01/2021 through 09/30/2022. Deadline to submit expense documentation will likely first week of November, 2022. Please take note and submit expense documentation by Halloween 10/31/2022.

IMPORTANT: If you would like assistance with filing an application please send an email to all three of the following staff:

Jason.shitanishi@usda.gov

debbie.jitchaku@usda.gov

josephine.lealasola@usda.gov

Please feel free to call 808-861-8538, #104 or email if you have questions. Mahalo and have a wonderful weekend! Jason

Jason G. Shitanishi
County Executive Director
Farm Service Agency
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Tel: (808) 861-8538 ext. 104

Coffee in Guatemala - Farmer-to-Farmer In-Person Assignment

Alla Kostenko — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 22:19:58 GMT

My name is Susie Meyer and I am the recruiter for the USAID-funded Farmer-to-Farmer program at Partners of the Americas. F2F is a program that promotes economic development and food security abroad by sending volunteer technical specialists from the U.S. to Latin America to provide technical assistance to producers, cooperatives, agribusinesses, NGO’s, and educational institutions (referred to as “hosts”). Our program covers all volunteer costs including airfare, lodging, meals, insurance, and any other assignment-related expenses.

I am wondering if you would be interested in an in-person assignment in Guatemala for 15 days in September or October. Please find brief descriptions of open opportunities below:

Professional Coffee Taster – APOLO
APOLO coffee is expanding to new markets but lacks knowledge of how to market their coffee because they do not know what kind of qualities or potential their coffee has. An F2F volunteer is needed to train APOLO staff in cupping processes as well as the techniques and parameters to determine the quality of the coffee as well as the best barista techniques. It is expected that at the end of the assignment APOLO will have a reference for cupping and the correct barista methodology to continue replicating the process. This assignment contributes to the broader goals and objectives of the Rural Enterprise Development project by supporting coffee holder’s companies in one of Guatemala’s most lucrative value chains.
Coffee Business Development – FECCEG
Currently, FECCEG only exports green coffee beans, however they are looking to open a coffee shop and roasting facility in the U.S. A F2F volunteer is needed to create a feasibility and validation analysis for the new store that includes sales strategies, marketing, e-commerce, logistics in U.S. and online sales strategies. It is expected that at the end of the assignment the host will have a defined sales strategy for marketing online and a brick and mortar store on the U.S. This assignments contributes to the broader goals and objectives of the Rural Enterprise Development project by supporting smallholder companies in one of Guatemala’s most lucrative value chains sustainably grow.
Coffee Industry Expert – FECCEG
The FECCEG is seeking enter a new market at various levels of the value chain by roasting its coffee beans. A F2F volunteer is needed to initiate a coffee shop network for final consumers and connect a distribution line of organic products and companies with a social responsibility for coffee. It is expected that at the end of the assignment FECCEG will understand the operational costs for roasting beans along with an investment plan, network of potential customers, and a reference of potential distribution and supply partners. This assignments contributes to the broader goals and objectives of the Rural Enterprise Development project by supporting small, medium, and large holder companies in one of Guatemala’s most lucrative value chains, coffee.

Partners of the Americas employs a COVID-19 safe protocol on all F2F assignments. This includes appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment, mask-wearing, social distancing, and checks for vaccination status. All assignments will be assessed for risk prior to travel, taking into account the varying levels of COVID-19 throughout the region. We have already supported numerous volunteers travel to 5 countries in the Caribbean basin to complete their 15-day F2F assignments with the support of our fantastic field teams.

To comply with our COVID-19 safe protocol, we require that all F2F volunteers be fully vaccinated prior to travel. This includes receiving a booster shot if it has been more than 6 months since your last dose of Pfizer or Moderna or more than 2 months since your last dose of Johnson & Johnson.

Please also verify that your passport expiration date is at least 6 months from expected travel date.

Please let me know if you – or someone you know – would like to be considered as a potential volunteer or if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Susie Meyer

202-637-6206 email

Hawaii Coffee Association Partners with Oritain to Prove Statewide Coffee Origins

Alla Kostenko — Sat, 14 May 2022 10:02:59 GMT

Hawaii County Research and Development: Community Information Sessions Schedule

Alla Kostenko — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 00:43:37 GMT

The County of Hawai‘i has scheduled Community Information Sessions to be held around the island. Through the informational sessions, we are sharing what our County Departments are accomplishing and additional community programs that are available to community members. Hawaiian Electric and Hawai‘i Energy will present ways to reduce your energy use and the Office of Housing & Community Development will be sharing information on financial resources and support services available to eligible households.

You can attend the event in person or join thru the Zoom link below. The Zoom link is good for all of the Community Information Sessions.

We will continue to use COVID safety protocols, such as social distancing and sanitizing.

The remaining schedule is:

April 20^th, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Captain Cook – Yano Hall, 82-6156 Māmalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook

April 27^th, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Kapa‘au – Kohala Intergenerational Center, 54-382 Kamehameha Park Road, Kapa‘au

April 28^th, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Pāhala Community Center, 96-1149 Kamani St., Pāhala

May 11, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Waikoloa Village Association – Banquet Room, 68-1792 Melia St., Waikoloa

May 18^th, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Waimea Community Center, 65-1260 Kawaihae Road, Waimea

May 24^th, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Kea‘au High School Cafeteria, 16-725 Kea‘au-Pāhoa Road, Kea‘au

R&D County of Hawaii is inviting you to a scheduled ZoomGov meeting.

Topic: County of Hawaii Community Information Session

Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime

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Meeting ID: 160 055 4683

Passcode: 845228

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Glenn T. Sako
Agriculture Specialist
Hawaii County Research and Development
25 Aupuni St., Room 1301
Hilo, HI 96720
Direct line: 808-961-8811
Fax: 808-935-1205
Email: Glenn.Sako@hawaiicounty.gov
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

Talk Story with COFFEE BERRY BORER Researchers in 2022

Alla Kostenko — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 01:40:41 GMT

Coffee Leaf Miner discovered in two Florida Counties

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 22:42:21 GMT

Coffee Leaf Miner discovered in two Florida Counties

Ideas for overcoming a tough labor market

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 22:18:30 GMT

It’s no secret that we’re in a challenging labor market. Local employers have shared with us that hiring and retaining good employees has been difficult. Unfortunately, this reality presents a major obstacle for businesses looking to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels.

Some local small businesses have found that working with an HR partner has made all the difference in helping them hire and retain. We’ve seen proof of this success across our own clients, with the average ProService client being 11% larger in headcount than they were prior to the pandemic.

That said, I wanted to share a guide that shows exactly how HR partners can help and the benefits they provide to local businesses: Should you keep HR in-house? Or outsource it?

If you’d like a 1:1 consultation to learn specifically how ProService can assist your business, I’d be happy to set that up for you. Feel free to respond to this email with the best time and number for me to reach out. P.S. In case you haven’t heard, we’re hosting a webinar on Wednesday, March 23rd from 2-3 p.m. with local experts who will be sharing tips and ticks on the topic of hiring/recruiting. Click here to learn more and register!

Jody from ProService

Business Development Specialist

ProService Hawaii | ProService.com
6600 Kalanianaole Hwy., Honolulu, HI
aloha@proservice.com | Direct: 808-468-6764

Click here to schedule your business consult.

Got pilikia (trouble) with the community about your farm? Try this.

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 22:15:23 GMT

Original Source

Got pilikia (trouble) with the community about your farm? Try this.

Many people are generations removed from growing food for a living. They haven’t had a farmer in their family in decades and don’t understand some of the basic farming practices.

Despite recent efforts to grow more good locally, Hawaii still imports more than 90 percent of its food from off island. This makes it difficult for people to get to know farmers and the challenges they face, which can lead to misunderstandings or even conflict.

Perhaps a neighbor has asked about how you fertilize your crops or control pests on your land. You may have received a complaint about noise or smells associated with your operations. Or you may have been criticized about how you care for your animals.

Farmers can be hesitant to engage with neighbors or community members about these issues because they fear the situation might blow up, making things worse.

Mediators can work with farmers to help address right-to-farm issues like these, but you also can learn how to talk about your farming practices so that your neighbor feels heard, possibly resolving things on your own.

How to defuse a tense conversation

1. Listen and Ask Questions

Before you share any facts, help the person feel heard and show you understand their concern.

“I haven’t heard that before, where did you get that information? Can you tell me more about why this is important to you? Have you experienced this firsthand?”

2. Restate What They Said

People like to know that you understand them. Let them know by repeating what they shared.

"It sounds like you’re concerned about water contamination from the pigs and the health of your family”

3. Make a Connection

Shared values are three to five times more important to building trust than focusing on one version of the facts. Find a connection, for example, the health of your family, your love of hunting, land stewardship, or protecting water quality.

“We share your goal of protecting the land for future generations. We use the least amount of chemicals possible to control any pests.”

4. Acknowledge Them

CTAHR Newsletter

Alla Kostenko — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 19:39:01 GMT

Continue to a complete newsletter...

NASS Pacific Region Coffee Production

Alla Kostenko — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 23:12:28 GMT

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS SERVICE (NASS) Pacific Region Coffee Production - Released January 21, 2022

Click here for a USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service report release.

Free COVID-19 Tests

Alla Kostenko — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 05:52:58 GMT

Place Your Order for Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests

Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of #4 free at-home tests from USPS.com. Here’s what you need to know about your order:

Limit of one order per residential address
One order includes #4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests
Orders will ship free starting in late January

Order Here

2021 Taiwan Coffee & Tea Show

Alla Kostenko — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 03:07:13 GMT

This year HCA participated in the 2021 Taiwan Coffee & Tea Show. Click here to see the report prepared by the Bearing Corp.

The event was successful and re-starts some potential momentum in the Taiwan market for 2022.

They also created a video with highlights of the event, which you can see here.

FDA Takes Steps to Facilitate the Export of Food under China’s New Facility Registration Requirements – Decree 248

Alla Kostenko — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 08:11:57 GMT

Original Source

The FDA is asking establishments currently exporting certain food products to China to voluntarily submit information. We are making this request in response to new facility registration requirements from China. While China has not confirmed that collecting this information is a prerequisite for U.S. establishments to export to China, the FDA is making this request as a precaution against potential trade disruption. In April 2021, China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) announced new registration requirements that affect all overseas food manufacturers, processors, and storage facilities of food products exported to China. These requirements are described in China’s Decree 248 and will be in effect on January 1, 2022.

Articles 7 and 8 of the Decree require the exporting countries’ competent authorities to recommend registration of establishments involved in the export to China of certain food categories:

Meat and meat products
Aquatic products
Dairy products
Bird nests and bird nest products
Casings
Bee products
Eggs and egg products
Edible oils and fats
Stuffed wheaten products
Edible grains

Milled grain industry products and malt
Fresh and dehydrated vegetables and dried beans
Condiments
Nuts and seeds
Dried fruits
Unroasted coffee beans and cocoa beans
Foods for special dietary purposes
Functional food

For products that do not fall within the 18 product categories listed in Article 7 and above, the GACC launched a system to facilitate self-registration as indicated in Article 9 of Decree 248. The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) has published information on the self-registration process.

According to the GACC, it will continue to recognize existing registrations for establishments that export meat and meat products, aquatic products, dairy and infant formula products and bird nests and bird nest products. The FDA currently facilitates the registration of U.S. firms for seafood, dairy, and infant formula products by providing the GACC with documents that identify certified establishments and products that meet applicable U.S. requirements. U.S. firms that have applied in the FDA’s Export Listing Module (ELM) and are currently listed as certified by the GACC to export seafood, dairy, and infant formula products to China do not need to take any action at this time related to registration.

For all other categories of food, the U.S. government interprets the Decree to provide that these products are covered by the existing bilateral agreements with China, such as the Phase One Economic and Trade Agreement, and other bilateral facility registration arrangements. USTR has asked the GACC to confirm its understanding that U.S. establishments that export all other categories of products may self-register. To date the GACC has not confirmed this interpretation of Decree 248 and has failed to provide adequate further guidance for the United States. While the United States continues to engage with China at multiple levels to ensure minimal new requirements for the United States, the FDA is taking proactive steps to maintain current market access for FDA-regulated firms in the United States that export food to China.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR U.S. ESTABLISHMENTS

As the U.S competent authority for many of the product categories named in Article 7 of Decree 248, the FDA is collecting information in the Export Listing Module (ELM) from U.S. firms that may be needed to facilitate the registration process before the new requirements go into effect on January 1, 2022.

Beginning on December 6, 2021, U.S. establishments that currently produce or store FDA-regulated products for export to China that fall into the product categories 5-18 listed above may submit an application via the FDA’s Export Listing Module (ELM), providing information for products they currently export to China to allow the FDA to facilitate registration of these establishments with China. Step-by-step instructions for using the ELM are available on the FDA’s website.

To ensure that the FDA has the relevant establishment information before the end of the year, any U.S. establishment currently exporting food products in categories 5-18 to China should submit applications to the ELM by December 17, 2021. In addition to meeting U.S. requirements, firms exporting to China are responsible for meeting relevant China regulations and requirements.

Please note that the FDA does not intend to provide a declaration of conformity or other competent authority statement directly to U.S. establishments. In the event it is needed for registration for China, the FDA may provide an attestation directly to GACC for U.S. establishments and their products that comply with applicable U.S. requirements in order to facilitate registration.

For more details on China’s requirements, additional information on the U.S. competent authority for certain products that are under the FDA’s authority or the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service’s authority, or both and for step-by-step instructions on how to apply to the ELM, visit Food Export Library and Online Applications for Export Lists.

For more information, contact the Export Certification Team at CFSANExportCertification@fda.hhs.gov.

Related Pages:

HDOA Producer Inquiry - November 2021

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 04:26:34 GMT

Aloha all! As part of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s ongoing efforts to facilitate the purchase of locally produced food by State institutions, HDOA invites local agricultural producers to share product availability information with HDOA and our and our state-operated institutional partners (i.e. schools, hospitals, prisons). CLICK HERE or use the link below to update information on your current and upcoming stocks of local agricultural products. There is an option to select no change from last response for those who regularly reply to HDOA’s inquiries. If you check this box, your most recent response will be submitted to state agencies, and you may forgo completing the rest of the form (but please do remember to include your contact information and use the button at the bottom to submit your form). As always, feel free to share the link with any local agricultural producers or agricultural organizations who you think might be interested in sharing information. Thank you for your responses!

HDOA Agricultural Producer Inquiry Form: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/f2sform/

Responses to the inquiry are optional. Use the linked form to provide information to State institutions on available products, upcoming harvests, and any existing surpluses that need to be brought to market quickly. Responses will be sent to food procurement personnel in the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE), the Hawaii Department of Public Safety (PSD), and within the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH), and Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) to inform those institutions’ menu and purchase planning decisions.

Hawaii Department of Agriculture will only voluntarily share this information with personnel at our institutional partners. However, HDOA has no control over this information once it has been transmitted to our institutional partners (who often purchase through distributors and may share this information with distributors). PLEASE DO NOT SHARE INFORMATION THAT YOU DO NOT WISH TO BE GENERALLY AVAILABLE.

D. Heath Williams

Special Assistant to the Chairperson

Hawaii Department of Agriculture

Community Food Projects (CFP) Competitive Grants Program

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 20:41:00 GMT

NIFA’s Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program (CFPCGP) is soliciting applications to fund two types of grants. The types are entitled (1) Community Food Projects (CFP) and (2) Planning Projects (PP). The purpose of the CFP is to support the development of projects with a one-time infusion of federal dollars to make such projects self-sustaining. CFPs are designed to create community-based food projects with objectives, activities and outcomes that are in alignment with Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program (CFPCGP) primary goals. The purpose of a Planning Project (PP) is to complete a plan toward the improvement of community food security in keeping with the primary goals of the CFPCGP. Projects and plans are to focus on a defined community and describe in detail the activities and outcomes of the plan or project.

Learn More or Apply for Grant

Asia Pacific Coffee and Intellectual Property Conference

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 08:04:29 GMT

Dear colleagues,

The World Intellectual Property Association (WIPO at https://www.wipo.int) is hosting its first Asia/Pacific virtual conference dedicated to coffee production on November 10th and 11th. The program is two half-days of short lecture and panel sessions, featuring coffee and intellectual property experts who will address a broad range of strategies, opportunities, and challenges creating value in coffee production and trade using intellectual property tools. A copy of the conference program and short introduction to the speakers is attached.

Registration is free and all are welcome to attend, so please feel free to distribute this announcement. Please write or call anytime at +1 (808) 990-8717 with any questions. We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Andrew

Details:

Day 1: https://wipo-int.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ET6DVCqfTN64QzbBfO3ZHA

November 10, 08:00 - 11:00 GMT +7 (Cambodia/Jakarta/Laos/Thailand/Vietnam / ICT)

Nov. 9 - 17:00 GMT -8 (Los Angeles / US PST)

Nov. 9 - 20:00 GMT -5 (New York / US EST)

Nov. 10 - 03:00 GMT +1 (Geneva / CET)

Nov. 10 - 10:00 GMT +9 (Japan/Korea/Timor-Leste)

Nov. 10 - 11:00 GMT +10 (Port Moresby/Brisbane)

Nov. 10 - Noon GMT +11 (Sydney / AEDT)

Nov. 10 - 14:00 GMT +13 (Auckland)

Day 2: https://wipo-int.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VtCETNP_RCidC8kOLair7Q

November 11, 14:00 - 17:00 GMT +7 (Cambodia/Jakarta/Laos/Thailand/Vietnam / ICT)

Nov. 10 - 23:00 GMT -8 (Los Angeles / US PST)

Nov. 11 - 02:00 GMT -5 (New York / US EST)

Nov. 11 - 08:00 GMT +1 (Geneva / CET)

Nov. 11 - 16:00 GMT +9 (Japan/Korea/Timor-Leste)

Nov. 10 - 11:00 GMT +10 (Port Moresby/Brisbane)

Nov. 11 - 18:00 GMT +11 (Sydney / AEDT)

Nov. 11 - 20:00 GMT +13 (Auckland)

Event Summary:

Regional Conference on Adding Value to Coffee Production with Intellectual Property

The world runs on coffee and worldwide consumption is expected to keep growing. Coffee is one of the most important global commodities with raw material trade valued over US $102 billion in 2019, with an economic impact of more than $200 billion in the United States alone.

Worldwide, the coffee industry provides livelihood to some 125 million people, among which twenty-five million smallholder farmers producing 80 percent of the world’s production. Coffee grows mainly in the tropics and trades internationally in US dollars, making it an important and sustainable export contributing significantly to the GDP of many developing countries.

The global market for coffee consumption has matured in recent decades, creating niche segments offering price premiums for uniquely desirable characteristics. Terroir, good agricultural practices, certifications, branding, trademarks, geographic indications, traceability systems, and unique patented processes all contribute to value addition in a thriving differentiated, or specialty, segment of the coffee trade.

APAC coffee policy has historically prioritized productivity improvements to gain market share, with less emphasis on differentiation to increase value. In recent years, this has led to an under-representation of APAC coffees in the highest value and fastest-growing consumer markets. Furthermore, concentration on high volume commodity exports places millions of regional smallholder producers at a disadvantage in direct competition with comparatively few large and efficient coffee agribusinesses exporters in Brazil, the world's largest coffee producer.

The panel will present thought-provoking ideas, strategies, and case studies from around the world. Participants will leave these sessions with a better understanding of global coffee market dynamics and how to better position themselves to take advantage of emerging opportunities and earn more from coffee production using intellectual property. Participants will have the opportunity to engage the experts after the conference and explore possible initiatives with WIPO.

Moderator: Andrew Hetzel

Speakers:

Andrew Ong, Director, Division for Asia and Pacific, WIPO

Carsten Fink, Chief Economist, IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector, WIPO

Luis Samper, International Consultant, 4.0 Brands

Blanca Castro, Chapter Relations Director, International Women's Coffee Alliance

Darrin Daniel, Executive Director, Alliance for Coffee Excellence

Mario Fernandez-Alduenda, Technical Officer, Specialty Coffee Association

Molly Harriss Olsen, CEO, Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand

Pacita Juan, Co-Chair, Philippine Coffee Board

Sara Morrocchi, Founder and Consultant, VUNA Origin Consulting

Stephen Hurst, Managing Director and Founder, Mercanta

Kraig Kraft, Asia & Africa Director, World Coffee Research

Stephane Passeri, Geographical Indications Expert and Consultant to FAO

Giulio Zanetti, IP Attorney, Adjunct Professor, and Consultant to WIPO

Andrew Hetzel (he/him/his)

Coffee Market and Value Chain Specialist

US: +1 (808) 445-9670 | AU: +61 3 9016 0478 (no SMS) | in Hawaii (GMT-10)

https://www.CoffeeStrategies.com

Deadline to Apply for Organic Certification Cost Share: November 1

Alla Kostenko — Sat, 30 Oct 2021 09:03:56 GMT

Hawaii Congressional Delegation Announces $6 Million Grant to Address Coffee Leaf Rust

Alla Kostenko — Sat, 30 Oct 2021 08:28:17 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 28, 2021

MEDIA CONTACT: Martha Spieker (Hirono) 202-365-7943

Hawaii Congressional Delegation Announces $6 Million Grant to Address Coffee Leaf Rust

Funding supports research to combat devastating fungus threatening coffee industry

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Brian Schatz and Representatives Ed Case and Kai Kahele announced $6,007,090 in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) grants program to the Synergistic Hawaii Agriculture Council (SHAC) to address Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR).

This four-year grant will support a coordinated approach to addressing CLR across various entities, including the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center (DKI-US-PBARC), the ARS Tropical Agriculture Research Station (TARS) in Puerto Rico, University of Hawaii, University of Puerto Rico, as well as Purdue University and Michigan State University. The five main objectives of this grant include breeding rust-resistant varieties of coffee, surveying spread and identifying field management options for farmers to use to protect existing coffee trees, identifying fungicides or biological control methods to combat CLR, genomic work on CLR, and economic analyses of domestically grown coffee.

“Over the past year our more than 1,400 coffee growers in Hawaii have been dealing with one of the greatest threats to their industry,” Senator Hirono said. “This funding will help bring together leading experts in coffee research to protect one of our most iconic crops, so coffee can continue contributing to our local economy and culture.”

“This new federal funding is an important step supporting our coffee growers against Coffee Leaf Rust,” said Senator Schatz. “By developing rust-resistant coffee varieties and researching the disease to better combat it, we’ll be able to protect and maintain the unique quality of Hawaii coffee. This is great news for our state.”

“This is very welcome news especially coming on the heels of the sobering discovery this summer that coffee leaf rust has spread to all the major islands in the State of Hawaii," said Congressman Case. "As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have worked to secure millions of dollars in federal research funding for Hawaii’s tropical specialty crops like coffee and macadamia nut, and while our funding has helped mitigate the effects of the macadamia felted coccid, coffee berry borer and coffee leaf rust, current law limits the scope of federal research dollars. The members of our Hawaii Congressional delegation last month introduced bicameral legislation to continue to battle these agricultural pests to greatly enhance our ability to fund much more comprehensive coffee as well as macadamia nut research to preserve and grow these invaluable industries.”

“The success of Hawaii’s coffee industry has been a priority of mine since my tenure in the State Senate, and now as a U.S. Congressman. Our coffee industry circulates more than $200 million annually in the local economy creating business and job opportunities back home,” Congressman Kahele said. “I applaud the team of dedicated scientists, farmers, project managers and others who crafted the award-winning Specialty Crop Research Initiative application and send my thanks to Suzanne Shriner, Executive Director of the Synergistic Hawaii Agriculture Council, for her leadership in securing federal dollars to address the coffee leaf rust.”

Synergistic Hawaii Agriculture Council Director Suzanne Shriner said, "Many of us depend on our morning cup of coffee to start the day. But for the growers of Hawaii and Puerto Rico, coffee is much more than a drink, it's a part of the culture and a significant economic driver. The recent arrival of the deadly Coffee Leaf Rust fungus has the potential to devastate the industry. The NIFA grant will fund a consortium of scientists and address the problem on the ground for farmers in both regions. Research will focus on immediate solutions for growers affected by CLR, through field management of the disease. In addition, the grant will fund long-term breeding of trees resistant to CLR, focusing on quality in the cup to meet the high standard of Kona and Hawaiian coffees. In addition, expansion of genomic research will assist the global coffee industry in understanding and combating the fungus. Finally, economic analyses of all activities will help our growers, large and small, determine which solutions are best for their farms. SHAC is looking forward to collaborating with the scientists of USDA, University of Hawaii, Purdue, University of Puerto Rico and Michigan State University. We believe this team is uniquely capable of answering the challenging questions that this disease raises."

CLR is a devastating fungus that up until last year was present in every coffee growing region of the world except Hawaii. It was first detected in Hawaii in October 2020 and its presence has since been confirmed on all main Hawaiian Islands. Spread of the fungus is difficult to control and if left untreated can result in more than 70 percent yield loss.

Upon learning of detection of CLR in Hawaii last year, Senator Hirono, Senator Schatz, and Rep. Case sent a letterto then-USDA Secretary Perdue alerting him to the situation and requesting swift federal assistance with early detection and rapid response. In addition, the Hawaii delegation introduced the Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act earlier this year that would expand research funding to address all current and emerging threats to coffee plant health, including CLR.

###

HDOA producer inquiry - October 2021

Alla Kostenko — Sun, 24 Oct 2021 03:23:19 GMT

As part of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s ongoing efforts to facilitate the purchase of locally produced food by State institutions, HDOA invites local agricultural producers to share product availability information with HDOA and our and our state-operated institutional partners (i.e. schools, hospitals, prisons). CLICK HERE or use the link below to update information on your current and upcoming stocks of local agricultural products. There is an option to select no change from last response for those who regularly reply to HDOA’s inquiries. If you check this box, your most recent response will be submitted to state agencies, and you may forgo completing the rest of the form (but please do remember to include your contact information and use the button at the bottom to submit your form). As always, feel free to share the link with any local agricultural producers or agricultural organizations who you think might be interested in sharing information. Thank you for your responses!

HDOA Agricultural Producer Inquiry Form: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/f2sform/

D. Heath Williams
Special Assistant to the Chairperson
Hawaii Department of Agriculture

HDOA CBB-CLR Subsidy Program Outreach

Alla Kostenko — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 22:48:20 GMT

Aloha Coffee Farmers, While you're busy with harvest and figuring out how to manage Coffee Leaf Rust, I'd like to update you on our new CLR Subsidy. The program is not set up yet, but will be able to reimburse receipts (at the 50% rate) on the Hawaii Dept of Agriculture list that you purchased from 7/1/2020 - 6/30/2021. If you did not purchase any CLR products during this Reimbursement Period, please apply now to get your BotaniGard and Mycotrol receipts for CBB control reimbursed at the 50% rate. You can start the online application here. Or print the application and email it to HDOA.CBB@hawaii.gov with your receipts. Or call 808-323-7578 to request an application by mail. -Melanie Bondera CBB-CLR Subsidy Program Coordinator

Melanie Bondera
CBB Subsidy Program
Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Phone: 808-323-7578

Mailing address:
P.O. Box 226
Captain Cook, HI 96704

USDA Introduces New Insurance Policy for Farmers Who Sell Locally

Alla Kostenko — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 21:12:09 GMT

WASHINGTON, Oct 6, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is rolling out a new insurance option specifically for agricultural producers with small farms who sell locally. The new Micro Farm policy simplifies record keeping and covers post-production costs like washing and value-added products.

USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) created this new policy based on research directed by the 2018 Farm Bill, and it includes feedback from producers who grow for their local communities. The policy will be available beginning with the 2022 crop year.

“We are excited to offer this new coverage for producers who work to provide their communities with fresh and healthy food,” said RMA Acting Administrator Richard Flournoy. “USDA is focused on supporting local and regional food systems, and this new crop insurance policy is designed with this important sector of agriculture in mind.”

The new policy is offered through Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) and it has distinct provisions that can provide more access to the program, including:

No expense or individual commodity reporting needed, simplifying the recordkeeping requirements for producers
Revenue from post-production costs, such as washing and packaging commodities and value-added products, are considered allowable revenue

The Micro Farm policy is available to producers who have a farm operation that earns an average allowable revenue of $100,000 or less, or for carryover insureds, an average allowable revenue of $125,000 or less. RMA’s research showed that 85% of producers who sell locally reported they made less than $75,000 in gross sales. See the full report.

The Micro Farm policy builds on other RMA efforts to better serve specialty and organic crop growers. This includes WFRP, which provides coverage for producers with larger operations that may not be eligible for Micro Farm. RMA recently made improvements to WFRP as part of a broader set of new policies and expanded policies to assist specialty crop and organic producers.

The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation approved the Micro Farm policy in late September, and additional details will be provided later this fall.

More Information

Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at rma.usda.gov.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

Coffee Crop Insurance Presentations

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 23:45:54 GMT

You may watch Coffee Crop Insurance Presentations by following this link.

USDA Pandemic Response and Safety Grant Program

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 23:35:38 GMT

The USDA will be opening the application portal at 1:00pm EST for its Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant Program. The PRS program is funded at $650 million to aid specialty crop producers and processors, other select producers, meat and other processors, distributors, and farmers markets to respond to coronavirus, including for measures to protect workers against novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID–19).

Eligible Applicants:

Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Small businesses
Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

Applicants will be required to obtain a DUNS Number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) prior to applying for this program. D&B has created a custom landing page to streamline this process.

Visit the application website (https://usda-prs.grantsolutions.gov/) for more information.

Important Dates:
Application Period Opens: October 6, 2021
Application Period Closes: 11:59 PM Eastern Time on November 22, 2021

Links:

https://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/covid-relief-funding-soon-available-for-farmers-markets-processors-and-underserved-farmers/

https://www.ams.usda.gov/content/usda-pandemic-response-and-safety-grant-program-will-accept-applications-starting-october

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=335320

Portal link: https://usda-prs.grantsolutions.gov/usda

You might find helpful, the USDA AMS YouTube videos with step-by-step instructions explaining the application process: https://www.youtube.com/user/USDAAMS. Please do share the link and information previously sent with your members, networks, and others who would benefit.

Dave K. Chun
Senior Policy Advisor
Congressman Kaialiʻi Kahele (HI-02)
1205 Longworth House Office Building | 202-225-4906

Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 23:20:13 GMT

Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act
Sending Office: Honorable Kaiali'i Kahele
Sent By: Dave.Chun@mail.house.gov

Dear Colleagues:

Please join us in cosponsoring the Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act (CPHIAA), a bill to address emerging threats to the U.S. domestic coffee industry. The legislation broadens the Coffee Plant Health Initiative (CPHI) to manage all coffee tree pests such as the coffee leaf rust, coffee leaf miner, and coffee wilt. The CPHI, included in the 2014 farm bill, unfortunately was specific only to the coffee berry borer and thus excluded other plant pest research under the CPHI’s narrow scope.

The CPHIAA would permit research and extension grants for purposes of:

Developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat plant pests and noxious weeds that impact coffee plants
Establishing an areawide integrated pest management program in areas affected by invasive plant pests or noxious weeds
Surveying and collecting data on coffee plant production and health
Investigating coffee plant biology, immunology, ecology, genomics, and bioinformatics
Researching factors that may contribute to or be associated with coffee plant immune systems, including
Sublethal effects of insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides on beneficial insects and plants
Development of mitigative and preventative measures to improve habitat conservation and best management practices

For additional information or to cosponsor the CPHIAA, please contact Dave (Kahele) at Dave.Chun@mail.house.gov or Mitch (Case) at Mitch.Heidenreich@mail.house.gov.

Kaiali’i Kahele Ed Case
Member of Congress Member of Congress

USDA Invests $700 million to Provide Relief to Small Producers, Processors, Distributors, Farmers Markets and Seafood Processing Vessels and Processors Impacted by COVID-19

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 23:18:29 GMT

USDA Invests $700 million to Provide Relief to Small Producers, Processors, Distributors, Farmers Markets and Seafood Processing Vessels and Processors Impacted by COVID-19

WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it will soon publish Requests for Applications (RFAs) for new grant programs - the Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant program and the Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety Block Grant program - to support agricultural stakeholders who haven’t yet received substantial federal financial assistance in responding to the COVID-19 crisis. These grant programs will provide assistance to small businesses in certain commodity areas, including small scale specialty crop producers and processors, shellfish, aquaculture and other select producers, meat and other processors, distributors, farmers markets, seafood facilities and processing vessels. Today USDA released grant forecasts for these new programs to help potential applicants determine their eligibility and to prepare to apply for funding. Approximately $650 million in funding is available for the PRS grants and $50 million is available for SPRS. All of these new programs are funded by the Pandemic Assistance provided in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.

“As the economy continues to gain strength after the Biden Administration’s historic vaccination and economic relief efforts, USDA is working with agricultural and food businesses to ensure they have the resources and tools to thrive in 2021 and beyond,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The funding associated with USDA Pandemic Assistance is meant to serve as a bridge from disruptions associated with the pandemic to longer-term investments to help build back a better food system. Financial relief to these essential producers, distributors, processors and other small agricultural businesses is a critical to get our food system back on track.”

For the PRS grants, eligible entities are detailed in the Pandemic Response and Safety Grant Program forecast, USDA-AMS-TM-PRS-G-21-0011. Eligible entities should visit the PRS grant portal at usda-prs.grantsolutions.gov for complete information on the program, including how to obtain a free of charge DUNS Number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) BEFORE applying for this program. On September 23, USDA will issue another announcement indicating that entities may submit their applications through the grant portal; entities will need their DUNS number to submit an application.

For the Seafood PRS grants, USDA will allocate block grant funding to U.S. states and territories based on a formula that considers economic activity as demonstrated through commercial fisheries landings. Eligible entities are state agencies as detailed in the Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety Block Grant Program forecast, USDA-AMS-TM-SPRS-G-21-0012. The state agency will then provide funds to seafood processing facilities and processing vessels. Seafood processors and processing vessels should apply directly through their State agency; seafood processors and processing vessels should not apply through PRS and should instead contact their state agency for financial assistance once USDA awards funds to states. A listing of state contacts will be made available on the USDA website. Tribal government owned eligible entities may apply directly to USDA, details of which will be developed through tribal consultation in conjunction with Office of Tribal Relations.

Updated information regarding the PRS and Seafood PRS programs will be available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) website: www.ams.usda.gov.

Any grant application submitted after the due date will not be considered unless the applicant provides documentation of an extenuating circumstance that prevented their timely submission of the grant application. Read more in AMS Late and Non-Responsive Application Policy (PDF, 431 KB).

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs for Organic Certification

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 05:35:56 GMT

Hawai'i Public Health Institute is hiring for some short term contract jobs in Kona and Ka'u

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 05:31:03 GMT

Legislator of the Year Award!

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 03:26:50 GMT

HAWAII COFFEE ASSOCIATION PRESENTS DRU KANUHA WITH LEGISLATOR AWARD

HAWAII—The Hawaii Coffee Association (HCA) presented Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha (D-Kona, Kaʻu) with its first ever Legislator of the Year Award amid coffee trees laden with ripening fruit. The Hawaii Senate Majority Leader received an appreciation plaque crafted from a century-old fallen Koa tree that once flourished at Konaʻs Greenwell Farms.

Senator Kanuha introduced and shepherded the passage of recent legislation (SB855 SB1 HD1 CD1) to extend the Hawaii Department of Agricultureʻs Coffee Berry Borer (CBB) Pesticide Subsidy Program and expand it to include control of the industryʻs latest disease challenge: Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR). The legislation extends the sunset date of the program to June 2023 and stipulates annual subsidy caps per acre of treated coffee.

“While our coffee industry has been challenged by CBB, CLR and impacts relating to COVID, the state legislature has faced unprecedented COVID-induced budgetary constraints,” noted HCA President Chris Manfredi during the awards ceremony. “Nonetheless, Senator Kanuha listened to and understood our challenges, and championed this subsidy extension and expansion to include CLR management. This will make life a good deal easier for Hawaii’s coffee farmers and help ensure their viability. We thank him for his leadership.”

Endemic to Central Africa, CBB was discovered in Hawaii first in Kona in 2010 and it can be difficult to control. Female beetles lay eggs inside the coveted coffee bean to feed its brood. Farmers fight CBB with an integrated pest management (IPM) program that includes farm sanitation and a biological control material bought commercially.

CLR was first discovered in Sri Lanka in 1869 and can cause plant defoliation resulting in reduced photosynthetic capacity and tree dieback. First detected on Maui and Hawaii Island last October, the devastating pathogen can be controlled with an EPA-approved fungicide as part of an IPM plan.

The Hawaii Coffee Associationʻs first ever Legislator of the Year Award is crafted from a century-old fallen Koa tree that once flourished at Konaʻs Greenwell Farms.

Worker Protection Standard (WPS) In-person Workshop -Maui-

Alla Kostenko — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 23:48:04 GMT

Did you know that a farm worker who enters a field (within 30 days of last pesticide application), who handles, and/or applies pesticides, must be WPS trained annually? Many, if not all farms regardless of organic or non-organic farming methods, use pesticides if applying a product to kill a beetle, bug, fungus, mite, rat, or weed.

Learn how to keep yourself, your workers, customers, and the environment safe with the proper use, storage, handling, application, and disposal of pesticides.

To learn more or to register, please follow this link.

Sprayer Calibration Field Day for Handheld Sprayers used on Coffee and Other Orchard Crops -Maui-

Alla Kostenko — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 05:55:00 GMT

Learn More and Register Here!

Learn:

How/when to calibrate your sprayer
Why sprayer calibration is important
How to get better spray coverage
How to calculate water use per acre
How to calculate pesticide rates per gallon of water and per tankful

Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP)

Alla Kostenko — Sat, 17 Jul 2021 20:32:02 GMT

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced that fiscal year 2020 payments for the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP) will begin on May 28, 2020. The RTCP will help eligible farmers and ranchers outside the contiguous U.S., including those in Alaska, offset a portion of the cost of transporting agricultural products over long distances.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2019 reauthorized RTCP and allows farmers and ranchers in Alaska, Hawaii and insular areas including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Virgin Islands of the United States, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands and Republic of Palau, to recover any costs to transport agricultural commodities or inputs used to produce an agricultural commodity.

Signup for the 2020 program year increased by 28 applicants compared to the 2019 program year. Signup for the 2021 program will be announced in early summer.

RTCP payments are calculated based on the costs incurred for transportation of the agricultural commodity or inputs during a fiscal year, subject to an $8,000 per producer cap per fiscal year. Total 2020 claims exceeded available funding; therefore, payments to recipients will be reduced by a National payment factor of 0.8 percent.

Service Center staff continue to work with agricultural producers via phone, email, and other digital tools. Because of the pandemic, some USDA Service Centers are open to limited visitors. Contact your Service Center to set up an in-person or phone appointment. Additionally, more information related to USDA’s response and relief for producers can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

Enrollment Period Begins for USDA’s Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program

Program Helps Offset Transporting Costs for Farmers and Ranchers Outside the Contiguous U.S.

HONOLULU, Hawaii, July 9, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Hawaii opened enrollment today for the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP) for fiscal year 2021. The enrollment period begins July 12 and will run through Sept. 3. “RTCP helps U.S. farmers and ranchers offset a portion of the cost of transporting agricultural products over long distances,” said Shirley Nakamura, Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director. “This program helps U.S. farmers and ranchers outside the 48 contiguous states who are at a competitive disadvantage when transporting agriculture products to market.”

The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 reauthorized RTCP and allows farmers and ranchers in Alaska, Hawaii and insular areas including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Virgin Islands of the United States, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands and Republic of Palau, to recover any costs to transport agricultural commodities or inputs used to produce an agricultural commodity.

RTCP payments are calculated based on the costs incurred for transportation of the agricultural commodity or inputs during a 12-month period, subject to an $8,000 per producer cap per fiscal year. If claims for payments exceed the funds available from the program for a fiscal year, payments will be reduced on a pro-rata basis.

Farmers and ranchers interested in participating in RTCP can obtain applications and other documents by calling toll-free 1-866-794-1079.

Dave K. Chun
Senior Policy Advisor
Congressman Kaialiʻi Kahele (HI-02)
1205 Longworth House Office Building | 202-225-4906

PDF of this News Release

Coffee consumption linked to lower risk of COVID-19 infection

Alla Kostenko — Sat, 17 Jul 2021 20:25:40 GMT

In this study, consuming more coffee, vegetables, and being breast fed as well as consuming less processed meat intake were independently associated with lower odds of COVID-19 positivity.

SB855 SD1 HD1 CD1 - Act 138

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 14:31:04 GMT

Governor Ige has signed SB855 SD1 HD1 CD1 into law as Act 138 yesterday, Wednesday, June 30. See the attached Governor’s Message for more information.

USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Report Release

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 14:12:39 GMT

Please see the PDF for a USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service report release.

Commercial Agricultural Expansion Survey

UH CLR Resources

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 18:35:14 GMT

If growers/workers spray Mycotrol, BotaniGard, Kocide 3000, Badge X2, Serenade and other organic or conventional pesticides, and especially if they will apply Priaxor Xemium, I encourage thier attendance at one of our Worker Protection Standard (WPS) training sessions. Farm workers and handlers should be trained annually in WPS. As part of the Section 18, WPS training is a requirement of Priaxor application on coffee in Hawaii. We have three available training sessions:

Online WPS Webinar - Wednesday, June 2 at 3:00 PM
In-person Train the Trainer WPS Workshop at the Kona Cooperative Extension Service - Tuesday, June 8 at 10 AM
In SPANISH and in-person WPS Workshop at the Kona Cooperative Extension Service - Tuesday, June 8 at 1 PM

EPA's Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS) aims to reduce pesticide poisonings and injuries among agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. Learn (in English and Spanish) about who is covered by WPS, view videos, purchase WPS materials, etc. at http://pesticideresources.org.

Thank you,
Andrea Kawabata

STATEWIDE: Coffee Leaf Rust Systemic Fungicide -- Priaxor Xemium Use Webinar - Thursday, May 27 at 4:30 pm

Alla Kostenko — Thu, 27 May 2021 17:58:03 GMT

HCA Member Updates - May Newsletter

Alla Kostenko — Tue, 25 May 2021 00:23:21 GMT

Hawaii Coffee Association

Member

Aloha, HCA Members!

Our members recently voted for a change to the HCA Bylaws, which would allow for annual membership meetings and Board of Directors elections by electronic means including but not limited to video conferencing. This voting resulted in the approval of the suggested amendment. Thanks to each of you for casting your vote! A special mahalo to Dave Bateman, our bylaws committee chair, for his hard work on managing this process.

Annual Membership Meeting Notice

Our 2021 Annual membership meeting will take the form of a webinar on June 24 and 25 during our Virtual Conference. Our team has worked hard to develop a program that addresses the needs of our industry. Please register for the webinar here.

12th Statewide Cupping Competition

We are continuing our traditions with the HCA’s 12th Statewide Cupping Competition. Our event coordinator, volunteer staff and the folks at Pacific Coffee Research are working tirelessly to plan and execute this event remotely. Please join us as we celebrate some of Hawaii’s best coffees and recognize the outstanding producers that grow it.

Virtual Conference Sponsorship Opportunities

The two-day virtual conference will feature some of the industry’s most prominent leaders, researchers and educators. In conjunction with the webinar, we will be hosting Board Elections and our 12th Annual Statewide Cupping Competition and a Virtual Awards Ceremony. This event will offer an opportunity for your business or organization to show its support for our industry. We respectfully ask you to consider one of the sponsorship levels outlined here. The HCA needs you now more than ever!

Recruitment of Directors

Do you have skills to share? Please help support our industry by volunteering for our numerous projects and committees. We have lots of opportunities, particularly as life returns to normal. Please write to us at contact@hawaiicoffeeassoc.org. Marketing, promotion and fundraising are but a few.

Please also consider lending your hand to the leadership of the HCA. We will be electing a new Board Of Directors during the Virtual Conference. Please contact our Nominating Committee Chair Tom Greenwell at tom@greenwellfarms.com. The elections will be held via electronic ballot, much like our recent bylaws amendment. Please check your inboxes for further announcements.

Botanigard and Mycotrol Reimbursement

This is the LAST quarter of this fiscal year (June 1) to apply for 50% reimbursement for your Botanigard and Mycotrol receipts for July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020. Get your application in soon while the funds are available!! Start online here, or email Melanie Bondera at HDOA.CBB@hawaii.gov for a pdf, or call her at 808-323-7578.

SB855 Passed

Our work paid off! SB855 passed both chambers of Hawaii’s state legislature and is waiting for Governor Ige’s signature. This measure extends HDOA’s CBB Pesticide Subsidy Program and expands it to include control for Coffee Leaf Rust. A special mahalo and congratulations to Senate Majority Leader Sen. Dru Mamo Kanuha for his leadership and to all of our friends at the Capitol and Hawaii Department of Agriculture for their unwavering support of our industry. Thanks to all who testified on this and other important legislation. It's important that we make our voices heard!

Hope to see you at the conference!

Until then, stay well,

Christopher A. Manfredi
President
Hawaii Coffee Association
president@hawaiicoffeeassoc.org

Tools in the Fight Against Coffee Leaf Rust

Alla Kostenko — Sat, 22 May 2021 07:06:19 GMT

Aloha HCA members,

On Thursday the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved a request from the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) to allow the use of a specific fungicide to help Hawai`i coffee growers manage and control the coffee leaf rust (CLR), a devastating plant pathogen.

The fungicide, Priaxor® Xemium, is not currently labeled by the EPA for specific use on coffee plants, but it is allowed for use to control fungi on leafy vegetables, strawberries, tomatoes, soybeans, wheat and many other crops. In March 2021, HDOA filed a request for a specific exemption with the EPA to allow the use of the fungicide on coffee plants. HDOA was notified of the approval of the emergency exemption yesterday which allows the fungicide to be used for up to one year or until use on coffee plants is added to the product label by EPA and the product’s producer.

The Hawaii Coffee Association wishes to thank the leadership and staff ant Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture, the University of Hawaii CTAHR, the US Environmental Protection Agency, USDA, BASF, The Hawaii Coffee Growers Association, Nutrien and all who contributed to this expedited application and approval. The ability for Priaxor, a translaminar fungicide, to be safely used on coffee is a major milestone in the battle against Coffee Leaf Rust in Hawaii. We have worked long and hard to ensure a rapid approval, timely education, and ensured ample supply of this product locally. We again thank and congratulate all who contributed to this effort.

PLEASE READ HDOA’s press release here.

Additionally our members discovered a Prevention and Control of Coffee Leaf Rust handbook that we think will be useful to you. You can view and download it here.

A big mahalo to our friends at Pacific Coffee Research for locating and sharing this handbook.

With warm Aloha,

Christopher A. Manfredi
President
Hawaii Coffee Association
president@hawaiicoffeeassoc.org
www.hawaiicoffeeassoc.org

Links for CBB & CLR Conference 2021, held virtually in mid-April.

Alla Kostenko — Tue, 11 May 2021 06:16:50 GMT

Please see the links below for the recorded presentations on CLR and CBB management. Once you click each link you will be able to see the title and select different presentations to view. There is a lot of really important information in these presentations from many professionals working in these fields. I hope you find the information useful in guiding your management practices. Please share widely with the coffee-growing community.

Session 1 playlist link: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLct6nsPG7uk-7g6LdFjfJsHnxnKsl5H5H

Session 2 playlist link: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLct6nsPG7uk_cylOzagdKWNZwQq3O1s9T

Session 3 playlist link: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLct6nsPG7uk9t4-wVqaCtfgHf-TXYn6DV

Session 4 playlist link: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLct6nsPG7uk-SR1lWlneQCDWhlESf8U2z

Safe Pesticide Use Webinar

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 05:32:27 GMT

Field Day (Kona and Kau)

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 05:28:05 GMT

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 01:44:08 GMT

To apply, click here.

STATEWIDE: CTAHR Specialty Crop Survey - to help better focus on local growers' priorities for Hawaii

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 21:20:13 GMT

Please complete the survey and share with other growers – it will help UH CTAHR to better focus on the local growers' priorities in research and outreach of specialty crops in the state.

USDA Announces Funding Available to Assist Socially Disadvantaged Farmers, Ranchers under Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 04:47:51 GMT

Join Us! USDA's FSA Stakeholder Event on the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 00:15:07 GMT

We invite you to join USDA’s Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux for a stakeholder forum on the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which is part of the broader USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, on Monday, April 5, 2021, at 1:00 pm EST.

How to Participate:

The Stakeholder Call will be conducted virtually using Microsoft Teams Live Event.

Click here to join the meeting on Monday, April 5: JOIN THE MEETING!

We suggest joining a few minutes early to ensure you are able to connect. (Please note that Teams Live events are limited to a maximum of 10,000 participants)

Tips to prepare for the Live Event using Microsoft Teams:

There will be an anticipated delay from broadcast of the event to the live stream attendees will be viewing on Teams.
Teams Live Event provides a one-direction broadcast. Attendees will not be able to present their own video or utilize their microphones during the Live Event.
There will be a Q&A opportunity during the event, time permitting. You may submit a question at any point.
- Click on the chat icon in the center menu bar to open a sidebar chat window that will allow you to type your question or comment.
- Please identify yourself when you ask a question to help us best address your inquiry.
This Live Event will be recorded. The link for the recording will be accessible from the calendar invite a few hours after the Live Event ends.
Teams Live Event offers closed captioning. To turn on closed captions, click the event menu ellipses and then click “Turn on live captions (Preview).”
Teams Live Event offers ability to pause the meeting. If you would like to pause, click the pause button in the lower left-hand corner of the screen. To resume the meeting, click the button again to play. If you would like to jump to real-time, click on “Live” which is located next to the play/pause button.

To learn more about how to apply, a complete list of eligible commodities, payment rates and calculations can be found on www.farmers.gov/cfap.

Jessica Carlton

Legislative Affairs Specialist

Intergovernmental and Stakeholder Engagement

Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC)- Business Center

United States Department of Agriculture

Cell: 202-880-2591

Jessica.Carlton@usda.gov

Coffee Berry Borer and Coffee Leaf Rust Conference - April 16 & 17

Alla Kostenko — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 00:58:06 GMT

Dr. Susan Miyasaka has announced that USDA- Agricultural Research Service and University of Hawai‘i-CTAHR will be presenting a Zoom conference on Coffee Berry Borer and Coffee Leaf Rust on April 16 and 17, 2021. This is a free event that is open to all who are interested. Follow this link for more info or to register.

Emergency Declaration Due for Coffee Leaf Rust

Alla Kostenko — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 00:49:23 GMT

Click here to see the Emergency Declaration letter.

Pandemic Assistance for Producers

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 22:20:06 GMT

After Identifying Gaps in Previous Aid, USDA Announces ‘Pandemic Assistance for Producers’ to Distribute Resources More Equitably

USDA Reopens Program Sign-Up to a Larger Share of Producers with Plans to Expand Outreach and New Programming

WASHINGTON, March 24, 2021—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is establishing new programs and efforts to bring financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and producers who felt the impact of COVID-19 market disruptions. The new initiative—USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers—will reach a broader set of producers than in previous COVID-19 aid programs. USDA is dedicating at least $6 billion toward the new programs. The Department will also develop rules for new programs that will put a greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers, specialty crop and organic producers, timber harvesters, as well as provide support for the food supply chain and producers of renewable fuel, among others. Existing programs like the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) will fall within the new initiative and, where statutory authority allows, will be refined to better address the needs of producers.

USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers was needed, said Vilsack, after a review of previous COVID-19 assistance programs targeting farmers identified a number of gaps and disparities in how assistance was distributed as well as inadequate outreach to underserved producers and smaller and medium operations.

“The pandemic affected all of agriculture, but many farmers did not benefit from previous rounds of pandemic-related assistance. The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to helping as many producers as possible, as equitably as possible,” said Vilsack. “Our new USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative will help get financial assistance to a broader set of producers, including to socially disadvantaged communities, small and medium sized producers, and farmers and producers of less traditional crops.”

USDA will reopen sign-up for CFAP 2 for at least 60 days beginning on April 5, 2021. The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has committed at least $2.5 million to improve outreach for CFAP 2 and will establish partnerships with organizations with strong connections to socially disadvantaged communities to ensure they are informed and aware of the application process.

The payments announced today (under Part 3, below) will go out under the existing CFAP rules; however, future opportunities for USDA Pandemic Assistance will be reviewed for verified need and during the rulemaking process, USDA will look to make eligibility more consistent with the Farm Bill. Moving forward, USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers will utilize existing programs, such as the Local Agricultural Marketing Program, Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach, and Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, and others to enhance educational and market opportunities for agricultural producers.

USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers – 4 Parts Announced Today

Part 1: Investing $6 Billion to Expand Help & Assistance to More Producers

USDA will dedicate at least $6 billion to develop a number of new programs or modify existing proposals using discretionary funding from the Consolidated Appropriations Act and other coronavirus funding that went unspent by the previous administration. Where rulemaking is required, it will commence this spring. These efforts will include assistance for:

• Dairy farmers through the Dairy Donation Program or other means:
• Euthanized livestock and poultry;
• Biofuels;
• Specialty crops, beginning farmers, local, urban and organic farms;
• Costs for organic certification or to continue or add conservation activities
• Other possible expansion and corrections to CFAP that were not part of today’s

announcement such as to support dairy or other livestock producers;
• Timber harvesting and hauling;
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other protective measures for food and farm

workers and specialty crop and seafood producers, processors and distributors;
• Improving the resilience of the food supply chain, including assistance to meat and

poultry operations to facilitate interstate shipment;
• Developing infrastructure to support donation and distribution of perishable commodities,

including food donation and distribution through farm-to-school, restaurants or other

community organizations; and • Reducing food waste.

Part 2: Adding $500 Million of New Funding to Existing Programs

USDA expects to begin investing approximately $500 million in expedited assistance through several existing programs this spring, with most by April 30. This new assistance includes:

$100 million in additional funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), which enhances the competitiveness of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops.
$75 million in additional funding for the Farmers Opportunities Training and Outreach program, administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, which encourages and assists socially disadvantaged, veteran, and beginning farmers and ranchers in the ownership and operation of farms and ranches.
$100 million in additional funding for the Local Agricultural Marketing Program, administered by the AMS and Rural Development, which supports the development, coordination and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets and enterprises and value-added agricultural products.
$75 million in additional funding for the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, administered by the NIFA, which provides funding opportunities to conduct and evaluate projects providing incentives to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low- income consumers
$20 million for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to improve and maintain animal disease prevention and response capacity, including the National Animal Health Laboratory Network.

$20 million for the Agricultural Research Service to work collaboratively with Texas A&M on the critical intersection between responsive agriculture, food production, and human nutrition and health.
$28 million for NIFA to provide grants to state departments of agriculture to expand or sustain existing farm stress assistance programs.
Approximately $80 million in additional payments to domestic users of upland and extra- long staple cotton based on a formula set in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 that USDA plans to deliver through the Economic Adjustment Assistance for Textile Mills program.

Part 3: Carrying Out Formula Payments under CFAP 1, CFAP 2, CFAP AA

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, enacted December 2020 requires FSA to make certain payments to producers according to a mandated formula. USDA is now expediting these provisions because there is no discretion involved in interpreting such directives, they are self- enacting.

An increase in CFAP 1 payment rates for cattle. Cattle producers with approved CFAP 1 applications will automatically receive these payments beginning in April. Information on the additional payment rates for cattle can be found on farmers.gov/cfap. Eligible producers do not need to submit new applications, since payments are based on previously approved CFAP 1 applications. USDA estimates additional payments of more than $1.1 billion to more than 410,000 producers, according to the mandated formula.
Additional CFAP assistance of $20 per acre for producers of eligible crops identified as CFAP 2 flat-rate or price-trigger crops beginning in April. This includes alfalfa, corn, cotton, hemp, peanuts, rice, sorghum, soybeans, sugar beets and wheat, among other crops. FSA will automatically issue payments to eligible price trigger and flat-rate crop producers based on the eligible acres included on their CFAP 2 applications. Eligible producers do not need to submit a new CFAP 2 application. For a list of all eligible row- crops, visit farmers.gov/cfap. USDA estimates additional payments of more than $4.5 billion to more than 560,000 producers, according to the mandated formula.
USDA will finalize routine decisions and minor formula adjustments on applications and begin processing payments for certain applications filed as part of the CFAP Additional Assistance program in the following categories:

o Applications filed for pullets and turfgrass sod;
o A formula correction for row-crop producer applications to allow producers with

a non-Actual Production History (APH) insurance policy to use 100% of the 2019 Agriculture Risk Coverage-County Option (ARC-CO) benchmark yield in the calculation;

o Sales commodity applications revised to include insurance indemnities, Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program payments, and Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus payments, as required by statute; and

o Additional payments for swine producers and contract growers under CFAP Additional Assistance remain on hold and are likely to require modifications to

the regulation as part of the broader evaluation and future assistance; however, FSA will continue to accept applications from interested producers.

Part 4: Reopening CFAP 2 Sign-Up to Improve Access & Outreach to Underserved Producers

As noted above, USDA will re-open sign-up for of CFAP 2 for at least 60 days beginning on April 5, 2021.

• FSA has committed at least $2.5 million to establish partnerships and direct outreach efforts intended to improve outreach for CFAP 2 and will cooperate with grassroots organizations with strong connections to socially disadvantaged communities to ensure they are informed and aware of the application process.

Please stay tuned for additional information and announcements under the USDA Pandemic Assistance to Producers initiative, which will help to expand and more equitably distribute financial assistance to producers and farming operations during the COVID-19 national emergency. Please visit www.farmers.gov for more information on the details of today’s announcement.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean-energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

Priaxor Xemium Use Webinar - April 1 or 8

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 01:55:39 GMT

Priaxor® Xemium brand fungicide is a translaminar (localized leaf systemic) fungicide that is being sought by the Hawaii Coffee Growers Association for approval of use on coffee grown in Hawaii from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA), BASF (manufacturer), and EPA under a Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Section 18 Emergency Exemption. If approved and used properly, Priaxor has the ability to kill coffee leaf rust within coffee plant leaves, unlike currently approved contact fungicides that kill CLR spores on the outside of the leaf.

In anticipation of a Section 18 approval for Priaxor, outreach and educational opportunities have been prepared for producers. During these webinars, HDOA staff will explain about Priaxor and its use requirements and answer any questions. These events are free, hosted by the HDOA and University of Hawaii CTAHR, and open to all. We encourage you to join us.

REGISTER HERE

Hawaii COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 05:15:28 GMT

Published by Hawaii Farm Bureau.

Per the Hawaii State Department of Health, agricultural producers (farmers and ranchers) are frontline essential workers. If you are an agricultural producer, you will be eligible to receive a vaccine in Phase 1B as part of the Department of Health's Vaccine Distribution Plan.

Please note that due to the limited supply of vaccines, the Department of Health is prioritizing vaccinating kupuna (individuals aged 75 and older) that sign-up. As the state receives more vaccines, the Department of Health will offer more opportunities for other individuals to receive the vaccine.

For the most up-to-date information, please visit the state's Department of Health's COVID-19 Vaccine Page.

For more information please read this email from the Hawaii Farm Bureau, or check the County of Hawaii vaccine page.

March Farm-to-State Producer inquiry

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 01:57:55 GMT

HDOA Agricultural Producer Inquiry Form: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/f2sform/

Thank you!!

D. Heath Williams
Special Assistant to the Chairperson
Hawaii Department of Agriculture

Pruning Methods for the Management of Coffee Leaf Rust and Coffee Berry Borer in Hawaii

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 07:08:39 GMT

Pruning Methods for the Management of Coffee Leaf Rust and Coffee Berry Borer in Hawaii PDF File

Coffee Industry Valued Higher Now

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 06:21:45 GMT

What’s at Stake: The Loss of Hawaii’s Coffee Industry, A Major Economic Driver

As growers of the #2 crop in the State, we are just under 1,500 strong who tend more than 10,000 (i) acres. The value of our coffee is second only to Hawaii’s seed crops . For the 2019-2020 season, Hawaii’s unroasted coffee was valued at $102.91 million (ii), while its roasted value was more than (iii) $148.48 million .

Now, we’re facing the most destructive coffee disease in the world: Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR), a fungus that can kill an entire farm in a matter of weeks. Annually, CLR causes $3 billion in damage and lost income around the world.

In Hawaii, the stakes are higher than elsewhere. While most other coffee-growing regions have planted rust-resistant varieties, all of the ones commercially grown in Hawaii are not resistant. And the best fungicides used to fight this disease have not been approved here.

CLR has been found and is spreading rapidly on Hawaii Island, Maui, Oahu and Lanai. Its spores are spread by wind, workers, rain, equipment and tourists. As a result, farmers are facing defoliation and a loss of yield up to 70% or more.

To help save our industry, as well as the communities and families that depend on it, we need State, Federal and private support and we need it NOW.

Without action, we stand to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in Hawaii’s economy – a contribution that far exceeds the value of the beans themselves. To grow our coffee, we hire thousands of workers and buy from local industries such as transportation and vendors of agricultural supplies. This so-called “downstream economic impact” is valued at about $211 (iv) million.

Then there is the “upstream economic impact” of Hawaiian coffee, which is unquantified. Compared to most other crops grown here, coffee offers two advantages: 1) Its worldwide popularity boosts the tourism potential of events such as the Kona Coffee Festival. 2) It is shelf stable. That makes Hawaiian coffee a major attraction for the souvenir market, drawing tourists to shops, cafes and agritourism operations statewide. In turn, these visitors create more worldwide demand for Hawaiian coffee once they return home. For example, foreign exports of coffee from Hawaii, valued at $9.20 million (v) in 2019, are an ongoing international advertisement for the Hawaii islands.

The economic losses from CLR would have an outsized impact in rural areas, where few other industries exist. Remember the collapse of the local sugar industry? We can expect similar results: dramatically increasing unemployment – especially of historically underserved and minority populations – accompanied by increasing crime and drug use. Not to mention the harm to almost 200 years of coffee-growing history and the cultural heritage of our islands.

What We Need:

• Statewide approval of the most effective CLR fungicides, and subsidies for famers to purchase them.

• Support for development of the best CLR-management strategies in Hawaii, as well as support to educate farmers of them.

• Support for research of the best CLR resistant varieties that will maintain the quality of Hawaii coffees. Also support for the importation, propagation and distribution of CLR- resistant varieties, including expanded plant-quarantine facilities. (This is a 5-10 year project.)

• Support for farmers to replace their existing fields with rust-resistant varieties.

• Support for other ways to build capacity and resilience within farm communities.

Contact:

• Chris Manfredi, President, Hawaii Coffee Association president@hawaiicoffeeassoc.org

• Suzanne Shriner, Administrator, Synergistic Hawaii Ag Council suzanne@shachawaii.org

_______________________

i $54.3 million for Coffee vs $109.5 million for Seed Crops (including seed corn), in 2019. Source: State of HI, HDOA Market Analysis and News Branch “Top 20 Agricultural Commodities Produced: State of Hawaii, 2019.”

ii 2019-2020 season, pounds of utilized production (green beans) x price per pound: 5,120,000 pounds x $20.10/pound = $102.91 million. Source: USDA-NASS. Jan 2021. “Coffee”. https://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Hawaii/Publications/Fruits_and_Nuts/Coffee -01-26-2021.pdf

iii This is a wholesale roasted estimate of the value of the 2019-2020 season crop, priced at $29.00 per pound: 5,120,000 pounds x $29.00/pound = $148.48 million. The $29.00/pound is an average statewide value that takes into account the lower wholesale prices of mechanically harvested coffee (Kauai, Oahu and Maui beans) and the higher prices of hand-harvested beans (Kona, Ka‘u).

iv Using multiplier of 2.05, applied to the 2019-2020 season value of the State’s green beans: $102.91 million x 2.05 = $210.97 million. Multiplier from correspondence between HDOA chair P. Shimabuku and USDA Secretary S. Perdue, dated November 19, 2020.

v $5.33 million in roasted coffee from Hawaii + $3.87 million in unroasted coffee from Hawaii. Source: USDA Global Agricultural Trade System. 2019 data.

Vacancy Announcement - County Program Technician

Alla Kostenko — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 06:52:07 GMT

The following Job Announcement has been posted by USDA:

Agency: Farm Service Agency

Title: County Program Technician

Pay Plan-Series-Grade: CO-1101-4/5/6/7

Announcement Number FSACO-11022426-21-HI-AG

Open Period: 8 February 2021 to 22 February 2021

Duty Locations: Hilo, Hawaii

Who May Apply: This position is open to all US Citizens and US Nationals.

Direct Link to Announcement: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/591104400

Managing Coffee Leaf Rust and Coffee Borer Beetle: A Spray Webinar

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 05:53:24 GMT

Learn How to Spray Legally & What to Spray:

How to read the spray product label
How to stay safe with PPE & REIs
Protecting your workers
How to calculate copper spray amounts
When to spray copper, biologicals, or Beauveria bassiana
When to combine spray products

Cal Westergard of HDOA - Slides

Andrea Kawabata of CTAHR - Slides

Webinar Video Recording

Taiwan Trade Show - Nov 2020

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 05:33:08 GMT

The HCA, Synergystic Hawaii Agricultural Council (SHAC) and the Hawaii State Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) held the first-ever Taiwan Virtual Coffee Mart in mid-November.

The event connected HCA members with members of the Taiwan coffee industry. More than 30 coffee professionals attended on location in Taipei to learn about Hawaii’s distinct growing regions, diverse coffee varietals and innovative processing methods. The event succeeded in showcasing both Hawaii's historical coffee tradition and a sense of growth and dynamism that mirrors the growing worldwide specialty coffee industry.

The event was part of the Market Access Program (MAP) grant that the HCA, via SHAC, has been granted to explore and grow exports of Hawaiian coffee to our target markets of Taiwan, China & Hong Kong. We will continue to keep you updated on the MAP marketing events planned for 2021 and beyond.

Here is the link to the Youtube copy of the 2020 Virtual Trade Show.

Ralph Gaston
HCA Representative for SHAC
ralphgaston@islacoffees.com

Coffee Leaf Rust Poster - Please Help Distribute

Alla Kostenko — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 02:41:30 GMT

Please print and distribute this poster in your community. Click here for the PDF version.

CFAP 2 - Round 2

Alla Kostenko — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 02:30:21 GMT

Please click here to see the PDF file with details about the CFAP 2 - Round 2 program. Click here to get help applying.

Managing Coffee Leaf Rust and Coffee Borer Beetle - Spray Workshop

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 01:20:22 GMT

USDA Grant Opportunity - Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program

Alla Kostenko — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 08:14:13 GMT

USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Help Agricultural Producers and Small Rural Businesses Develop and Market New Products

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2020 – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today invited applications for grants to help agricultural producers and small rural businesses develop and market new products.

Approximately $33 million in grants is available under the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program. The Agency may also utilize any funding that becomes available through enactment of fiscal year (FY) 2021 appropriations.

The grants may be used to develop new products from raw agricultural products or to promote new markets for established products. Veterans, socially-disadvantaged groups, beginning farmers and ranchers, operators of small- and medium-sized family farms and ranches, and farmer and rancher cooperatives are given special priority.

USDA encourages applications that will support recommendations made in the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB) to help improve life in rural America.

Applicants are encouraged to consider projects that provide measurable results in helping rural communities build robust and sustainable economies through strategic investments. Key strategies include:

Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural America
Developing the Rural Economy
Harnessing Technological Innovation
Supporting a Rural Workforce
Improving Quality of Life

For additional information, see the notice in the Federal Register.

If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

Zoom Meeting on Soil Health - Dec 18th, 2020

Alla Kostenko — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 06:20:30 GMT

From: Joan Obra
Vice President: United Ka'u Farmers Cooperative
Partner: Rusty's Hawaiian and Isla Custom Coffees

RE: Zoom Meeting on Soil Health
Date and Time: Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, at 2:30 pm.

Since the arrival of Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR) in Hawaii, farmers have been told that maintaining healthy trees is key to fighting this pest. But tree health depends on soil health — and the copper-based fungicides for CLR pose certain challenges to our soils.

What’s a farmer to do? Join us for this Zoom webinar to discover good-management practices for copper fungicide use. You’ll hear a review of scientific literature about these fungicides and their residual effects. And you’ll learn about SOLVITA soil-respiration test kits, a tool that measures chemical and biological soil parameters. Your instructor is Dr. Melanie Willich, The Kohala Center’s Director of Applied ʻĀina-Based Agriculture.

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsdeGtpjksHdfoVQpeR4ZEmnxOVcxCPHr0
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Thank you,
Joan Obra

USDA Mitigation Document on CLR Management

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 07:02:06 GMT

Aloha all:

Here is the Mitigation Strategies for Coffee Rust (Hemileia vastatrix) in Hawaii document, developed by the USDA PPQ Plant Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Laboratory for the current situation in Hawaii. It is somewhat general but it is nice to have the various strategies summarized all in one place. Note that it did not include systemics insecticides because they are not yet available for use in Hawaii. Feel free to use and/or distribute as needed.

Mahalo,

Kevin

Kevin M. Hoffman
Plant Industry Administrator/State Plant Regulatory Official
Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture
Phone: 808-973-9535

Administrative Rule Restricting Movement of Coffee from Hawai'i Island and Maui.

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 04:22:30 GMT

Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR) has infested Hawai‘i island and Maui. The Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture Chairperson has issued an interim rule restricting the movement of coffee and other CLR carriers from Hawai‘i island and Maui. The interim rule goes into effect on Friday, November 20, 2020. For more information, please see the attached news release. For additional detail about the restrictions, the interim rule may be found at: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Final-Interim-Rule-20-1-Nov.20.2020.pdf

Mahalo,

County of Hawaii

Department of Research and Development

Marcia Yoshiyama

Economic Development Technician

County of Hawaii

Department of Research and Development

25 Aupuni Street, Room 1301

Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720

Direct Line: (808) 961-8085

Email: Marcia.Yoshiyama@hawaiicounty.gov

Find help for your small business at www.hawaiicounty.gov/covidbusinesshelp

CLR Sanitation Protocol - CTAHR

Alla Kostenko — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 01:09:46 GMT

CLR Sanitation Protocol (PDF)

(Adopted from Rapid Ohia Death Protocol)

As a precaution, please adopt the following decontamination protocols regardless of where you are surveying/gathering materials.

Decontaminate before and after you survey/collect samples.

Never go from a suspected affected site to another site without cleaning your shoes, tools, and vehicle (when possible).

Tools and shoes should be cleaned with 70% rubbing alcohol solution after removal of any surface debris. Correctly label a spray bottle with a Sharpie pen as “70% isopropyl alcohol - Flammable”. Fill the spray bottle with isopropyl alcohol. Always take this bottle with you in any field vehicle for use after all field activities. Store in vehicle in such a manner that it does not spill.

A freshly prepared 10% solution of chlorine bleach and water can be used as long as tools are oiled afterwards, as chlorine bleach will corrode metal tools.

Clothing should be machine washed with detergent in hot water.
Vehicles used in infected areas should be thoroughly cleaned; power washing is recommended.

Please be careful of the alcohol and bleach, and follow all label precautions to prevent damage to your eyes, skin, respiratory system, clothing, and equipment.

Coffee Leaf Rust Confirmed on Hawaii Island

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 21:03:57 GMT

Below is an alert concerning the confirmed identification of coffee leaf rust (CLR) on Hawaii Island. In summary, a sample of a rust fungus collected by a grower on a farm in the Holualoa area, Hawai`i Island, has been confirmed by the United States Department of Agriculture National Identification Services as coffee leaf rust (CLR). This is the first confirmed detection on that island.

Please note that two samples sent at the same time from Hilo were determined to be negative for CLR, so the only current confirmed positive sample from Hawaii Island is from the Holualoa area.

HDOA Coffee Leaf Rust Alert

CTAHR Spraying to Suppress Coffee Leaf Rust

Alla Kostenko — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 01:44:04 GMT

PDF Version

Spraying to Suppress Coffee Leaf Rust (Hemileia vastatrix) (Published Nov. 4, 2020)

Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR), Hemileia vastatrix, has been identified in Hawaii. This disease of coffee will cause defoliation, reduced berry size, branch, and tree death. Infections typically start on the lower portion of the tree before reaching the higher leaves. The first symptoms are small, pale yellow spots on the upper surface of leaves (Fig. 1A). On the undersides of leaves, infectious spores appear resembling a patch of yellow- to dark orange-colored powder (Fig. 1B, Fig. 2). These young lesions steadily increase in size with the center of the lesion turning necrotic and brown [1]. Stem and berry infection are rare, but CLR can also affect young seedlings.

Why spray to suppress coffee leaf rust?

Over a three to five-month period, one CLR lesion can produce upwards of 400,000 spores that become airborne and easily spread throughout a farm and between farms. If left untreated, berry production and foliage losses caused by CLR on non-resistant coffee varieties can be significant, ranging between 30% and 80% [4,5]. Yield is completely lost when the tree is killed.

Plant susceptibility to CLR attack increases with berry yield and host density [4]. Field sanitation, proper pruning, fertility, CLR monitoring, and early detection are key for reducing this pathogen threat to tree health and production. When applied properly, and at <5% infection rate of total farm foliage, contact fungicides can be helpful in protecting coffee trees from initial and increased disease severity [10]. While contact fungicides are available for Hawaii coffee producers, currently, there are no approved systemic fungicides for use in Hawaii. Physical removal, containment, and destruction of leaves and branches displaying lesions can help to reduce CLR inoculum and infection [2].

Figure 1: Coffee leaf rust on the upper leaf surface (A) and lower leaf surface (B) of coffee.

Brackets e.g. [2], correspond to literature citations found in the Literature Cited section. This publication is expected to evolve as more is learned about coffee leaf rust in Hawaii.

This document provides suggestions for producers on the use of fungicides for the suppression of CLR on farms and the use of fungicides to reduce establishment severity of the pathogen. Special attention is needed for pesticide resistance management to fungicides with product rotation and proper use. Additional CLR information can be found at www.HawaiiCoffeeEd.com/clr.

Table 1 provides a list of fungicides approved by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture for use on coffee in Hawaii and lists CLR on the label. Although there are other fungicides approved for use in Hawaii, unless coffee is listed on the label, you should not use these products on your coffee crop. Failure to adhere to pesticide regulations could result in legal action and fines by regulatory authorities.

Suggestions for preventative and suppression spray applications

THE LABEL IS THE LAW. READ AND FOLLOW PRODUCT LABELS FOR ALL PESTICIDES.

PRODUCT ROTATION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO REDUCE THE RISK OF PESTICIDE RESISTANCE BY COFFEE LEAF RUST AND OTHER DISEASES.

Personal protective equipment (PPE):

Follow the label for proper use of PPEs.

Disposable PPEs may be a consideration for use.

Type of sprayer:

According to experts at CIRAD, a French agricultural research center, motorized sprayers should not be used for initial CLR treatments to contain spores [3].

o Spores may become airborne and spread if using a high pressure sprayer.

o Reduce sprayer pressure or change the nozzle to create larger droplets as needed.
Water quantity per acre will depend on individual spray calibration for your trees and farm. o Calibrate your sprayer by following examples and directions in publications for sprayer calibration [7,8,9].

Figure 2: Close-up of powder- like coffee leaf rust spores on the underside of a coffee leaf.

Where and what to spray:

Spray the entire coffee tree with emphasis on the undersides and topsides of the leaves.

o ACLRsporeproducesgermtubes(germinates)thatentertheplantviathestomata,

which are found on the undersides of leaves [5].
Spray all producing, non-producing, and seedling coffee plants.

o Good spray coverage is important.
o A slowed walking pace and deliberate spray application may be necessary to achieve complete coverage of the tree foliage and leaf surfaces.

Consult the label about intentional ground spraying.o Field sanitation and early detection of CLR is important.
o CLR mycelium require a living host tissue or cell to remain alive; however, its urediniospores can survive about six weeks and through dry periods [1].

Reduce the development of pesticide resistance to the products listed in Table 1.o It will be more difficult to control diseases with resistance to approved fungicides. o Alternate and rotate the use of fungicides in different FRAC groups as listed in

Table 1.
§ This typically applies to the use of all pesticides unless noted on the label.

o For example, if you use a blue product like Serenade ASO (FRAC Group 44) for your first application, then use a yellow product such as Kocide 3000 (FRAC Group M1) for your next application. Then, switch back to Serenade or rotate to a pink product (FRAC Group BM 02). Avoid using the same colored product in back-to- back applications.

o If your farm is certified organic, an example for rotation is to use a pink product like DoubleNickel LC, then use a yellow product like Badge X2 next. Then, switch back to DoubleNickel LC or rotate to a blue product. Again, avoid using the same colored product in back-to-back applications.

When to spray:

Avoid spraying during rain, drought, and in high heat, if possible.
Follow the product label for frequency of application.

Other additions to the fungicide:

Consult with the product label before mixing and combining other products with the fungicide.

o Some pesticide products are not compatible with certain additives such as those noted below.

o If the mixture of products causes phytotoxicity on the coffee trees, stop applications immediately.

Sticker/spreader

o Stickers help the product to adhere to the surface and remain on the plant following application. Spreaders and adjuvants help with dispersal and coverage by reducing water surface tension and allowing the droplets to spread and cover more surface area on leaves, branches, berries, etc.

o A spreader could improve spray coverage.

o If anticipating rain, a sticker and spreader could improve spray adhesion and coverage.

Foliar fertilizerso Consult with the fungicide and foliar fertilizer labels.
Approved Beauveria bassiana products

o Review the product label and the BioWorks BotaniGard® compatibility chart.

o https://www.bioworksinc.com/wp-content/uploads/products/shared/botanigard-

tank-mix-compatibility.pdf

o According to the above link, tests were not carried out to evaluate impact on the partner product integrity or for plant phytotoxicity.

Spraying to control anthracnose (Colletotrichum sp.) and cercospora leaf spot and berry blotch (Cercospora coffeicola) [5] on coffee as well as CLR:

Spraying to control Colletotrichum sp., another fungal disease on coffee in Hawaii, may require higher rates than necessary for CLR. Consult the product label.
Conduct annual or biennial leaf tissue and soil sample tests to determine and prevent plant and soil toxicities when applying copper-based and other products.

Other important considerations:

Re-entry interval (REI) following a spray application.o Follow the required REI, being especially mindful of pickers and when they will

enter the field for harvest.
o Also, follow any restrictions regarding application before crop harvest. This is

typically referred to on the label as the Pre-Harvest Interval or PHI.

pH of spray solution.

o Labels may have warnings for phytotoxicity with low (or high) pH of the spray solution.
Minimum and maximum rates per application.

o Follow the label rate. Underuse of a product can cause pesticide resistance by the

pest or disease and additional losses if spray applications are ineffective.
o Overuse of a product can cause plant, soil, and environmental toxicities and

hazards, is a violation of product use, and has increased costs to the producer. à Maximum applications per year or season.

o Follow the label instructions.
o Again, overuse of a product can cause plant, soil, and environmental toxicities and

hazards, is a violation of product use, and has increased costs to the producer.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW THE PESTICIDE PRODUCT LABEL DIRECTIONS.

If you have questions, contact your local Cooperative Extension or statewide coffee agent, Andrea Kawabata, at andreak@hawaii.edu. Texts and photos can be sent to (415) 604-1511.

Acknowledgements:

This publication was created by Andrea Kawabata (UH-CTAHR) and reviewed by Dr. Stuart T. Nakamoto (UH-CTAHR), Dr. Lisa Keith (USDA-ARS), and Suzanne Shriner (industry). Much appreciation to the farmers who provided the photos in this publication.

Literature Cited:

Arneson, P.A. 2011. “Coffee rust”. The Plant Health Instructor. DOI: 10.1094/PHI-I- 2000-0718-02.

http://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/intropp/lessons/fungi/Basidiomycetes/Pages/CoffeeRust.

aspx
Avelino, J., and Savary, S. 2004. Effects of crop management patterns on coffee rust epidemics. Plant Pathology, 53, 541–547. https://bsppjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-3059.2004.01067.x
Keith, L. Personal communications. 2 November 2020.
Koehler, J. 2018. Coffee rust threatens Latin American crop; 150 years ago, it wiped out

an empire. NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/10/16/649155664/coffee-rust-

threatens-latin-american-crop-150-years-ago-it-wiped-out-an-empire.
Kushalappa, A.C. and A.B. Eskes (eds). 1989. Coffee Rust: Epidemiology, Resistance and Management. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida. 345 pp.
Nelson, S.C. 2008. Cercospora leaf spot and berry blotch of coffee. Honolulu (HI): University of Hawaii. 6p. (Plant Disease Series; PD-41). https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/PD-41.pdf.
Thap, C. 2010. Using and calibrating backpack sprayers. In: Montana State University’s Big Sky Small Acres Magazine. pp. 10-11. https://apps.msuextension.org/magazine/assets/docs/Using%20and%20Calibrating%20Ba ckpack%20Sprayers.pdf.

8. Uyeda, J., M. Kawate, J. Coughlin, J. Kam, J. Sugano, S. Fukuda, R. Shimabuku, and K.H. Wang. 2015. Sprayer calibration using the 1/128th method for motorized backpack mist sprayer systems. Honolulu (HI): University of Hawaii. 5p. (Pesticide Risk Reduction Education Series; PRRE-9). https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/PRRE-9.pdf.

9. Uyeda, J., J. Sugano, S. Fukuda, M. Kawate, R. Shimabuku, and K.H. Wang. 2013. Sprayer calibration using the 1/128th method for handheld spray gun systems. Honolulu (HI): University of Hawaii. 4p. (Pesticide Risk Reduction Education Series; PRRE-7). https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/PRRE-7.pdf. Zambolim, L. 2016. Current status and management of coffee leaf rust in Brazil.

10. Trop. plant pathol. 41, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40858-016-0065-9.

HDOA Field Guide to Coffee Leaf Rust with Sample Form

Alla Kostenko — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 00:55:24 GMT

HDOA Field Guide to Coffee Leaf Rust with Sample Form

Coffee Leaf Rust Confirmed on Maui and Tentatively Found on Hawai'i Island

Alla Kostenko — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 21:05:03 GMT

Original Source of the Article

Posted on Oct 30, 2020 in Main

NR20-16
Oct. 30, 2020

HONOLULU – Coffee leaf rust (CLR) has been confirmed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) from coffee plant samples collected on Maui last week. Also, in response to the detection on Maui, Hawai`i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) staff began statewide surveys and detected suspect plants at a residence in Hilo on Hawai`i Island on Monday. The suspect plants were tentatively identified as infected with CLR by the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Hilo late Wednesday. Samples are being sent to the USDA National Identification Services in Maryland for confirmation.

CLR is one of the most devastating pests of coffee plants and is established in all major coffee growing areas of the world, but had not previously been found in Hawai`i prior to its discovery last week on Maui.

“The Hawai`i Department of Agriculture and other partner agencies continue to survey the state to determine the extent of the coffee leaf rust infestation,” said Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser, chairperson of the Hawai`i Board of Agriculture. “We are also trying to determine the pathway of how this fungus was introduced into the state.”

CLR can cause severe defoliation of coffee plants. Infected leaves drop prematurely, greatly reducing the plant’s photosynthetic capacity. Vegetative and berry growth are reduced depending on the intensity of rust in the current year. Long-term effects of rust may include dieback, which can have a significant impact on the following year’s yield, with some researchers estimating losses between 30 percent and 80 percent.

The first observable symptoms are yellow-orange rust spots, appearing on the upper surface of leaves. On the underside of the leaves, infectious spores appear resembling a patch of yellow- to dark orange-colored powder. These young lesions steadily increase in size with the center of the lesion turning necrotic and brown, with the infection eventually progressing up the tree. CLR may also infect young stems and berries.

While there are fungicides that may be used to help control the fungus, one of the key factors to any pest management program is good sanitation practices. Regular pruning and training of the coffee tree helps to prevent over-cropping and maintain a healthy field. These practices help to improve air circulation and also to open up the canopy to allow proper fungicide spray coverage. Good weed control is an important factor as it keeps competition for vital nutrients low, thereby reducing the susceptibility to the rust.

Coffee leaf rust, Hemileia vastatrix, was first discovered in Sri Lanka in 1869 and is now found in the major coffee-growing regions of the world, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and Central and South America.

Hawai`i has strict importation rules requiring all imported green coffee beans for roasting and associated packing materials be fumigated prior to entering the state to ensure beans are free of pathogens and insect pests. These rules also subject coffee plants and propagative plant parts to strict quarantine requirements if imported to Hawai`i, including a quarantine on all imported coffee plants for a minimum of one year in a state-run quarantine facility.

To report possible coffee leaf rust infestations on any island, call HDOA’s Plant Pest Control Branch at
(808) 973-9525.

For more information on coffee leaf rust go to the University of Hawai`i, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources webpages at:

https://www.hawaiicoffeeed.com/coffee-leaf-rust—nko.html
http://www.extento.hawaii.edu/kbase/crop/Type/h_vasta.htm

CTAHR Coffee Leaf Rust Update 10/30/20

Alla Kostenko — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 21:03:46 GMT

Dear Growers and Friends,

Coffee Leaf Rust has been officially confirmed by USDA to be on Maui and has tentatively been found on Hawaii Island. Please see the HDOA press release below for more information.

Growers, please scout your farms for any symptoms of coffee leaf rust. Here is my website and a poster that provides information and images of the disease on coffee trees.

If you suspect coffee leaf rust on any island, you can call HDOA's Plant Pest Control Branch at (808) 973-9525.

If you have questions about rust, the control of rust, or preventative treatments for this disease, you are welcome to contact me at andreak@hawaii.edu. You can also text me at (415) 604-1511.

Coffee Leaf Rust Sanitation Protocol
(Adopted from Rapid Ohia Death Protocol and provided by USDA-ARS)

As a precaution, please adopt the following decontamination protocols regardless of where you are
surveying/gathering materials.

Decontaminate before AND after you survey/collect samples. Never go from a suspected affected site to another site without cleaning your shoes, tools, and vehicle (when possible).

Tools and shoes should be cleaned with 70% rubbing alcohol solution after removal of any surface debris. Correctly label a spray bottle with a Sharpie pen as “70% isopropyl alcohol - Flammable”. Fill the spray bottle with isopropyl alcohol. Always take this bottle with you in any field vehicle for use after all field activities. Store in the vehicle in such a manner that it does not spill.

A freshly prepared 10% solution of chlorine bleach and water can be used as long as tools are oiled afterward, as chlorine bleach will corrode metal tools.

Clothing should be machine washed with detergent in hot water. Heat dry in a dryer as well, if possible.

Vehicles used in infected areas should be thoroughly cleaned; power washing is recommended.

Please be careful of the alcohol and bleach, and follow all label precautions to prevent damage to your
eyes, skin, respiratory system, clothing, and equipment.

-Andrea

Hawaii Congressional Delegation Calls for USDA to Swiftly Assist in Response to Identification of Coffee Leaf Rust on Maui

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 22:26:49 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 30, 2020

MEDIA CONTACT: Martha Spieker (Hirono): 202-365-7943

Hawaii Congressional Delegation Calls for USDA to Swiftly Assist in Response to Identification of Coffee Leaf Rust on Maui

Invasive fungus can decimate entire coffee farms, necessitating a rapid response and early detection

HONOLULU – Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Brian Schatz, and Representatives Tulsi Gabbard and Ed Case wrote to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, calling attention to the recent positive identification of Hemileia vastatrix, the fungus that causes Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR), on coffee leaves on Maui. This is the first known presence of the fungus in Hawaii. CLR is considered the most economically damaging threat to coffee worldwide.

On October 21, coffee leaves on Maui suspected to be suffering from CLR were submitted to Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture for analysis. Earlier this week on October 26, the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources conducted preliminary analysis that tentatively confirmed the presence of the fungus causing CLR, and USDA National Identification Services recently sent notice officially confirming the fungus’ presence. CLR has also been tentatively detected on coffee plants in Hilo, further emphasizing the need for collaboration and robust resources from the federal government.

“These findings warrant a rapid response to contain and treat the fungus in areas of known infection and monitoring for the presence of the fungus in other areas. The method by which the fungus arrived in Hawaii is unknown at this time, but left unchecked, wherever it becomes established it can decrease the following year productivity of coffee farms from between 30 to 80 percent,” the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers continued, “We urge USDA to consider providing emergency response resources such as funding set aside from the Plant Protection Act’s Section 7721 program to rapidly respond to pest emergencies of high economic consequence, as well as USDA’s coordination, support, and provision of other available tools and resources to state, academic, and coffee industry stakeholders in Hawaii. Putting forward robust resources at this early stage can mean the difference between effective management and decimation of coffee farms in Hawaii.”

“Coffee Leaf Rust has finally made its way to Hawaii and it will take every available resource if Hawaii’s coffee industry is to survive. Layered on top of the COVID crisis, where many producers saw their sales dwindle to nearly nothing, Hawaii risks losing one of its signature crops,” Chris Manfredi, President of the Hawaii Coffee Association said. “It’s important to note that Hawaii’s coffee industry supports thousands of our citizens. It’s an industry that helps preserve open spaces, a culture, a rural lifestyle, and supports Hawaii’s tourism. Hawaii is known for its exceptional coffee quality worldwide. The outpouring of support over the last few days has been remarkable. We look forward to working with our local, state and federal partners and learning from coffee professionals the world over.”

The full letter can be found here and below:

Dear Secretary Perdue:

We are writing to alert you to the recent positive identification of Hemileia vastatrix, the fungus that causes Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR), on coffee leaves on Maui. This is the first known presence of CLR, the most economically damaging threat to coffee worldwide, in Hawaii. In order to effectively contain and limit the spread of CLR to other areas of Maui as well as to other islands, robust resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other coordinating partners are necessary to minimize the potentially devastating economic damage this fungus poses to Hawaii’s coffee industry, which has a farm gate value of $54 million.

On October 21, 2020, coffee leaves from managed coffee plants suspected to be suffering from CLR on Maui were submitted to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture for laboratory analysis. In response, a survey on October 22 in the area of the original sample resulted in suspect samples being collected at three additional sites, including feral coffee. On October 26 preliminary analyses conducted by the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH CTAHR) on the original sample confirmed the presence of the CLR-causing fungus, which was then followed by USDA National Identification Services’ official confirmation of this federally regulated pest on October 29. These findings warrant a rapid response to contain and treat the fungus in areas of known infection and monitoring for the presence of the fungus in other areas. The method by which the fungus arrived in Hawaii is unknown at this time, but left unchecked, wherever it becomes established it can decrease the following year productivity of coffee farms from between 30 to 80 percent.

Up until now, Hawaii has been spared from this fungus that has impacted every other coffee-growing region of the world, often times wiping out entire coffee farms. While the establishment and management of this fungus in other regions presents the opportunity to utilize existing science and tools to respond to the fungus, such as planting resistant cultivars, changing climate conditions have resulted in once resistant varieties to now be susceptible to CLR. Additionally, like many invasive pests, management will need to be specifically tailored to the unique conditions found in Hawaii, taking into account the specific coffee varieties grown, the soil conditions, the microclimate, among other factors.

In order to minimize the impact of CLR in Hawaii, the coffee industry will need to have a suite of tools specifically tailored to the conditions found in Hawaii at its disposal. This includes, but is not limited to, monitoring and effective quarantine strategies as well as the development of best management practices, effective chemical treatments, and resistant cultivars. The development, education, and dissemination of these tools to coffee growers will require a strong commitment of resources from USDA. As such, we urge USDA to consider providing emergency response resources such as funding set aside from the Plant Protection Act’s Section 7721 program to rapidly respond to pest emergencies of high economic consequence, as well as USDA’s coordination, support, and provision of other available tools and resources to state, academic, and coffee industry stakeholders in Hawaii.

Putting forward robust resources at this early stage can mean the difference between effective management and decimation of coffee farms in Hawaii. We thank you for USDA’s support and response to date and appreciate your attention to this urgent matter.

Coffee leaf rust tentatively identified on Hawaii Island

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 06:16:05 GMT

Attached is an alert concerning a tentative identification of coffee leaf rust (CLR) on Hawaii Island. In summary, a sample of a rust fungus collected at a residence in Hilo, Hawai`i Island, has been tentatively identified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service in Hilo as coffee leaf rust (CLR). Samples will be sent to the USDA National Identification Services to confirm the identity of the causal agent. If confirmed, this will be the first detection on that island.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Mahalo,

Kevin M. Hoffman, Ph.D.
Plant Industry Administrator/State Plant Regulatory Official
Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Phone: 808-973-9530 (main office)
Direct: 808-973-9535

Crop Insurance

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 05:47:56 GMT

In the light of the current events regarding the coffee leaf rust discovery on Maui, it is encouraged for Coffee Growers to carry the USDA's crop insurance, and it is even more important to do so now. Disease that cannot be controlled is a covered cause of loss.

Here is a current Coffee Flyer that summarizes the program and provides cost and coverage examples on the reverse with the Coffee Tree specific information highlighted.

It is easy to apply for coverage for both Coffee Trees and Cherry production. For help with the application process or any other crop insurance related questions, reach out to Bonnie at Lind Insurance Services at agsecure@sbcglobal.net, 888-276-7728 toll-free or 559-285-8973 cell phone (call or text).

Help Available from USDA to Apply for the CFAP 2

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 05:45:45 GMT

Trouble viewing this email? View it as a webpage.

Help Available from USDA to Apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2

At USDA, we are committed to helping you complete program applications, and USDA’s Farm Service Agency staff can help guide you through the process of applying for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2), including preparing and submitting required paperwork. There is no need to hire a paid preparer.

Additionally, translation services are available in all USDA Service Centers, so one-on-one assistance with a Service Center employee can be translated in real time. To find the nearest USDA Service Center, visit farmers.gov/service-locator.

A call center is also available for producers who would like additional support with the CFAP 2 application process. Please call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance. The call center can provide service to non-English speaking customers. Customers will select 1 for English and 2 to speak with a Spanish speaking employee. For other languages, customers select 1 and indicate their language to the call center staff to be connected to an over-the-phone translation service.

Hawaii Green Coffee Exchange Website

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 03:46:47 GMT

In an effort to help connect Hawaii’s coffee producers with buyers, the Hawaii Coffee Association is launching a new website where our members can post ads for their green coffee available for sale.

This is one of several efforts to support our industry and is the result of numerous hours contributed by HCA volunteers and staff. This comes in the wake of your responses to our member survey relating to the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Please follow the link below if you wish to post an ad or view ads posted by Hawaii’s coffee producers.

We welcome your feedback. Please let us know what you think of this platform and share your success stories and suggestions via email at contact@hawaiicoffeeassoc.org

Thank you for your support!

News release from Dept. of Agriculture

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 09:20:33 GMT

Here is a link to a news release regarding preliminary test results indicating coffee leaf rust may be on Maui.

US SBA. Leading Your Biz Through A Crisis, Tuesday, October 27th, 9:00 - 10:30 am

Alla Kostenko — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 02:02:25 GMT

Everything about coffee roasting, from the experts

Alla Kostenko — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 01:59:51 GMT

Innovations for a better world.

Join us and learn how to bring out the potential in the bean

Transforming green beans into aroma-filled roasted coffee

Whether you produce espresso, filter, Turkish or artisan coffee blends, you will benefit from this webinar where our experts will talk about how to gain control over flavor, texture and taste of your final product.

Speakers

Oskar Rutishauser
Sales Account Manager
Bühler North America

Andreas Wetzel
Head of Business Development Coffee Bühler

Date: Thursday, October 29, 2020

Time: 10:00 PM Central Daylight Time

Duration: 1 hour

Take a look at this innovative coffee roasting solution

RoastMaster Series

The roasters in the RoastMaster™ Series provide traditional and multistep roasting profiles to capture the full flavor potential of any blend. With four different sizes, from small-scale up to 1 ton per hour, they are suitable for small to medium sized artisan shops and small industrial operations.

Bühler RoastMaster™ coffee roasters are programmable batch roasters with an integrated touch panel. The proven drum roasting technology of the RoastMaster™ assures uniform and efficient roasting of every bean to create exquisite coffee specialties.

Bühler Inc.

13105 12th Avenue North
Plymouth, MN 55441
T 763 847 9900

www.buhlergroup.com

Coffee Leaf Rust Suspected on Maui

Alla Kostenko — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 19:31:26 GMT

Please see the attached memo from HDOA concerning suspected Coffee Leaf Rust discovered on Maui. We will keep you posted on any news relating to this topic.

Coffee Leaf Rust Memo

USDA WHIP Plus

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 05:18:26 GMT

Below is an announcement from USDA that the deadline to sign up for WHIP Plus for 2018 and 2019 losses due to flooding, volcanic activity, drought, among others, will be Friday, October 30, 2020. According to the website for eligible counties, Honolulu, Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui counties are eligible for 2018 losses only. No Hawaii counties are eligible for relief for 2019 losses due to natural disasters. Also attached you will find a fact sheet with information about the program.

USDA Press Release - WHIP
WHIP Fact Sheet

USDA also stated that FSA will announce soon the details for producers who experienced quality loss from 2018 and 2019 natural disaster events authorized in appropriations legislation. There will be a separate signup period for producers reporting quality loss.

For more information, please visit the farmers.gov WHIP+ webpage.

UPDATE FOR PPP LOANS OF $50,000 OR LESS

Alla Kostenko — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 02:58:55 GMT

UPDATE FOR PPP LOANS OF $50,000 OR LESS

The SBA and Department of Treasury have jointly posted a new rule affecting the forgiveness and loan review processes for borrowers with Paycheck Protection Plan loans of $50,000 or less.

These borrowers are now exempt from any reduction in forgiveness based on the reduction in the number of FTE employees or employee salaries or wages.

They can also use SBA Form 3508S to apply for forgiveness, unless the borrower and its business affiliates received loans totaling $2 million or more. Supporting documentation must still be submitted to their lender.

The program has expired, so these conditions only apply to existing loans.

USDA to Provide Additional Direct Assistance to Farmers and Ranchers Impacted by the Coronavirus

Alla Kostenko — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 20:17:14 GMT

USDA CFAP Website

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) expanded and now includes COFFEE, MAC NUT, LYCHEE, RAMBUTAN, AVOCADO, MANGO, and more.

Signup for CFAP 2 will begin September 21 and run through December 11, 2020. If your business was affected by the pandemic, and you are eligible for assistance, please sign up as soon as you can from September 21.

USDA to Provide Additional Direct Assistance to Farmers and Ranchers Impacted by the Coronavirus

President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced up to an additional $14 billion dollars for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. Signup will begin September 21 and run through December 11, 2020, for this next round of Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments (CFAP 2).

Producers whose agricultural operation has been impacted by the pandemic since April 2020 are encouraged to apply for CFAP 2. Payments will be made for three categories of commodities: Price Trigger Commodities, Flat-rate Crops and Sales Commodities.

Specialty crops are included in the Sales Commodities category, which also includes aquaculture, nursery crops and floriculture and other commodities not included in the price trigger and flat-rate categories. Payment calculations will use a sales-based approach, where producers are paid based on five payment gradations associated with their 2019 sales. Flat-rate Crops include hemp.

A complete list of eligible commodities, payment rates and calculations are available on farmers.gov/cfap.

More information about CFAP 2 is in the full announcement.

Read the Full Announcement

CFAP 2 Producer Webinar

To introduce CFAP 2, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) conducted a producer webinar Sept. 24, 2020 at 3 p.m. ET and discussed the expanded eligibility for certain commodities, new payment categories including a sales-based approach to specialty crops and other specific commodities, and information on how to apply.

See the Webinar Slides Here

COVID-19 Related Updates and Resources for Maui County

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 20:38:01 GMT

Monthly economic indicators report (08-27-20) + COVID 19 resources as of 09/02/20- Maui County Office of Economic Development

Aloha Maui Community and Business Leaders,

Thank you for all you do for our community and your organization while we continue to help each other during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the ongoing 14-day quarantine for out-of-state travelers and the return to the two-week quarantine for Neighbor Island travelers, we need to continue following safe practices to reduce the spread of the virus in our community. This includes avoiding crowds, observing physical distancing of 6 to 10 feet, wearing face masks in public, staying home when sick and frequently washing hands.

We should also remember to practice “ALOHA” with everyone, while we help each other get through this difficult time to emerge Maui County strong. In this e-mail I have attached the press release on State of Hawaii’s online Safe Travels system that became mandatory effective Sept. 1.

Please sign up for all types of alerts and updates from the County at https://www.mauicounty.gov/list.aspx

Click here for the list of resources

Thank you. Please stay safe and healthy.

Aloha!

Tokie Ogawa
Business Development Specialist

Office of Economic Development

2200 Main Street, Suite 305

Wailuku, HI 96793

direct: 808-270-7415

CARES Act for Hawai'i County

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 20:18:50 GMT

Important Update on Eligibility and Required Documents

The Holomua Hawaiʻi program is now accepting applications from Sole Proprietors who are not registered with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). Upates are underlined below.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements Update

Non- profits and Businesses registered with the Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), and Sole Proprietors.
Non-DCCA Registered sole proprietorships that have filed a 2019 IRS Form 1040 Schedule C or F.
Must have been established with the State of Hawaiʻi prior to March 23, 2020.
Businesses and nonprofits must be located on Hawaiʻi Island, employ residents of Hawaiʻi, and provide direct services to Hawaiʻi Island communities.
Must have 50 or fewer employees including full time, part time, and casual.

Required Documents Update

Note: all required documents should be submitted in pdf or jpg/jpeg format via the Holomua Hawaiʻi online Grant Application.
Compliance Certificate or current DCCA Registration for organizations registered with the DCCA.
First page of 2019 business tax return or 2019 Schedule C or annual GET reconciliation for 2019 or GET quarterly filings for 2020 (to verify revenue level).
For non-DCCA Registered sole proprietorships, 2019 IRS Form 1040 Schedule C or F, and 2020 quarterly GET filings are required.
Copy of most recent payroll register or Form 941 for 2019 (to verify number of employees; not required for sole proprietorship or single member LLC).
Completed Federal Form W-9.
Clear copies of receipts and or cancelled checks for reimbursement.
Completed Holomua Hawaii COVID-19 Expense Workbook.
IRS Form 8829 – for Businesses with only residential addresses.

Additional Update - Note that the telephone number for the Hawaiʻi County Employees Federal Credit Union has been corrected to 935-2969.

For more information and to apply, go to www.holomuahawaii.com.
Monitor www.hawaiicounty.gov/CARES for updates.

USDA Releases New Master Solicitation for Commodity Procurement – Domestic Programs (MSCP-D)

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 22:14:10 GMT

The Original Source of the Article

Pinhalense Webinar — Coffee Opportunities at "New Normal": Trends, Qualities and Myths, and Technology to Help Growers Address Them

Alla Kostenko — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 03:23:26 GMT

WEBINAR RECORDING

P&A, Pinhalense and their representatives are pleased to invite you to participate in their webinar, whose details can be found below.

Date and time: August 04, at 10:00am Hawaiian time

Topic: COFFEE OPPORTUNITIES AT “NEW NORMAL”: TRENDS, QUALITIES AND MYTHS, AND TECHNOLOGY TO HELP GROWERS ADDRESS THEM

It will include results of regional polls with over 1,200 respondents in Latin America, Africa and Asia

Please register in advance at the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rxVw6QUJSMyl-yRXPjj0tA.

Carlos Brando will make an initial presentation followed by discussion with the P&A team and he will then answer questions. The webinar will cover the following topics:

Market and quality demands and advanced processing technology to meet them
Impacts of Covid-19 on producing countries: harvesting and production
The role of consumption in producing countries: safety net and complement to exports
Addressing myths: suggestions for cuppers, importers and roasters to help producers adapt to the New Normal

The presentation and discussion will last 60 minutes with another 30 minutes dedicated to questions from the participants.

Questions can be sent in advance to: larissamenegatto@peamarketing.com.br or in writing during the webinar, in the Q&A section found at the bottom of the screen.

Important information of the Zoom Webinar:

Feel free to share and forward this message; all attendees must individually register using the link provided above;
Try to use a computer or tablet, it is easier to follow presentations and discussions than with a phone;
Check the strength of your internet connection;
Only the host and presenters will be able to speak;
Attendees will be able to use the “Q&A” tool in the lower part of the computer screen to send questions, comments, that will be answered in the end of the webinar;
Use headphones if possible;
A few short indicative polls will be conducted during the webinar
- You only need to answer the questions uploaded to the screen by the host by clicking the desired answer and the submit button.
- Each poll will take approximately 30 seconds.
- The results will be shared immediately on your screen.

Carlos Brando, a partner at P&A and Pinhalense, has already coordinated coffee projects from harvesting to consumption in more than 50 countries on the 5 continents, including countries in the region. Carlos has written chapters for several coffee books, like Nespresso’s recent: “The Craft and Science of Coffee”, is a member of the board of the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) and he currently chairs the board of the Global Coffee Platform (GCP).

Soil Health and Sustainable IPM Mini Conference - Tuesday, August 4th, 4:30 - 6:30 pm

Alla Kostenko — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 21:32:40 GMT

Enrollment Period Begins for USDA’s Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 03:43:01 GMT

Original Source of the Article

Program Helps Offset Transporting Costs for Farmers and Ranchers Outside the Contiguous U.S.

HONOLULU, Hawaii , July 13, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Hawaii State and the Pacific Basin today announced that the enrollment period for the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP) for fiscal year 2020 begins July 13 and will run through Sept. 4.

“RTCP will help eligible farmers and ranchers offset a portion of the cost of transporting agricultural products over long distances,” said AL Frenzel, State Executive Director. “This program helps U.S. farmers and ranchers outside the 48 contiguous states who are at a competitive disadvantage when transporting agriculture products to market.”

The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act 2020, reauthorized RTCP and allows farmers and ranchers in Alaska, Hawaii and insular areas including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Virgin Islands of the United States, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands and Republic of Palau, to recover any costs to transport agricultural commodities or inputs used to produce an agricultural commodity.

Farmers and ranchers interested in participating in RTCP can obtain applications and other documents by calling toll-free 1-866-794-1079.

To find your local FSA county office, visit farmers.gov/service-center-locator.

Hawai'i Agri-Tourism Webinar Summer Series 2020

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 03:39:44 GMT

Hawaii Tourism Authority has made some adjustments to their workshop series and have changed them to a webinar series. They've also increased their mini-grant funding to build agri-tourism capacity statewide.

If you are still interested in attending a webinar or applying for a mini-grant click here to register and get more info.

For Member Only! FedEx Partners with BigCommerce

Alla Kostenko — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 21:35:00 GMT

For HCA Members ONLY

BigCommerce E-Commerce Alliance and Offer

BigCommerce is a leading e-commerce platform that helps small and medium (SAM) businesses set up online stores as fast and affordably as possible. In response to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus) pandemic, FedEx and BigCommerce are collaborating to provide the first 4 months of BigCommerce service free.

HOW TO ENGAGE BigCommerce – TO LEARN MORE

Step one: Please request a demo or start a trial at bigcommerce.com/dm/fedex.
Step two: Utilize your existing FedEx Account number
Step three: BigCommerce will reach out to the referred business within 2 business days.

HOW IT WORKS

BigCommerce

An e-commerce store is essential to helping merchants stay in touch with current customers and find new ones. BigCommerce develops low-cost, quick turnaround solutions for developing online marketplaces and e-commerce websites. It allows users to build an online store, accept payments, ship and fulfill orders, drive traffic via SEO, and convert visitors to buyers.

Special Offer

Due to COVID-19, many brick-and-mortar businesses are closing their stores and seeking ways to move their retail operations online. There are a handful of SAM businesses who don't have online operations and need to get online as fast as possible in order to continue making sales.

To assist these businesses, the FedEx and BigCommerce alliance offers:

First 4 months of BigCommerce free

BIGCOMMERCE BENEFITS

Templates and step-by-step guides make building stores easy: BigCommerce offers free and paid themes, so users can design a store with no web design expertise needed. Its video library walks users through each step of store launch, from setting up products to selling on marketplaces. If customers want one-on-one support, BigCommerce offers launch service packages
Advanced marketing toolkit: once users choose a theme and upload their products, they can use the built-in marketing and sales tools to attract customers. Advanced SEO features help them gain visibility to new audiences, and easy-to-manage promotions and gift certificate capabilities help them remarket to existing customers
0% transaction fees: BigCommerce will never charge transaction fees, so users can keep more of what they earn

RESOURCES ON FEDEX.COM

Click link for the page to populate as below:

https://www.fedex.com/en-us/big-commerce.html

Good Food Awards - Hawaii Producers Are Invited!

Alla Kostenko — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 20:57:54 GMT

For more information, click here.

Keauhou Farmers Market is Seeking a New Manager

Alla Kostenko — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 22:30:03 GMT

Click here to see the Job Description.

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program: Specialty Crop Producers

Alla Kostenko — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 23:00:12 GMT

Coffee is not yet eligible for relief under CFAP (we are working on it), but the attached will help you prepare for the application, if/when coffee is made eligible.

See the slides from the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Producer Webinar.

Updated Hawaii Ag Industry Resource Guide

Alla Kostenko — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 22:00:17 GMT

Guide

Above you will find an updated resource guide for Hawaii’s Agriculture Industry from Senator Hirono.

It is very similar to the last one but provides updated information (since April 27th) on available federal relief. In it you will find updated information about USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), SBA Programs (both PPP and EIDL/EEIG), Residential Mortgage Provisions, and Federal Tax Provisions.

As programs are dynamic and details are subject to change, this guide provides links to websites where you can access up-to-date information from the relevant federal agencies.

Hawai'i Coffee Industry COVID-19 Playbook

Alla Kostenko — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 23:04:32 GMT

Beginning last week, members of the Hawai'i Coffee Association worked with the Oregon Coffee Board to create a "Coffee Industry COVID-19 Playbook". Because each state and county has adopted different measures and guidelines, we have created this Playbook specifically for cafes & roasteries reopening this month in Hawai'i as others have adopted the same outlines for their regions. This document is provided to all members of HCA and we wholly encourage you to share it with your fellow coffee colleagues within the state, including all staff and employees of cafes and roasteries. In it, you will find useful information regarding Tips for Business Owners, Relief Package Updates, New Sales Channels, Cafe & Roastery Guidelines, Workers' Rights, Unemployment Information and much more.

USDA Rural Development Business and Industry (B&I) CARES Act Program Webinar

Alla Kostenko — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 06:05:15 GMT

Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2020 (For Stakeholders and the Public)
Time: 2 PM Eastern

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making available up to $1 billion in loan guarantees to help rural businesses meet their working capital needs during the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, agricultural producers that are not eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency loans may receive funding under USDA Business & Industry (B&I) CARES Act Program provisions included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

B&I CARES Act Program loans must be used as working capital to prevent, prepare for or respond to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The loans may be used only to support rural businesses, including agricultural producers, that were in operation on Feb. 15, 2020.

The Department began accepting applications on May 22, 2020. Applications must be received no later than midnight Eastern Daylight Time on September 15, 2021, or until funds are expended. Program funding expires Sept. 30, 2021.

Eligible applicants may contact their local USDA Rural Development State Office in the state where the project is located.

Eligible Program Applicants: Federal or State-Chartered Banks, Savings and Loans, Farm Credit Banks, Credit Unions

Webinar Topics: Program and Application Requirements, Program Resources, Guidance on How to Apply.

Who Should Attend:

Rural Lenders, Stakeholders and the General Public

Register Here

HCA Survey on Measuring the Impacts of COVID-19 on Hawaii’s Coffee Industry

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 20 May 2020 18:25:50 GMT

Aloha HCA Members and Friends,

We hope this message finds you well.

We are trying to measure the impacts of COVID 19 on Hawaii’s Coffee industry.

Please help us by completing the survey questions below. We need to understand the scope of the impacts so that we can best access and advocate for relief.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Stay well,

Christopher A. Manfredi
President
Hawaii Coffee Association
president@hawaiicoffeeassoc.org

STATEWIDE: Short survey on how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected CTAHR's community partners

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 20 May 2020 18:00:00 GMT

Aloha!

The Covid-19 virus pandemic has had multiple impacts on people and their families within the farming and agriculture networks in Hawaii, some more significantly than others. Please tell us how this pandemic has affected you and your families.

Your participation will help us identify where help is needed, and how we can best assist individuals and families in the community with which the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources works or partners.

Here is the web link for the online survey. It takes about 15 minutes to complete.

The survey will close on Friday, June 5 at noon.

Mahalo!

Michael Cheang

Associate Professor

Human Development & Family Studies

Department of Family & Consumer Sciences

College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources

cheang@hawaii.edu

(808) 956-2252

Lynn Yamashita

Lecturer

Human Development & Family Studies

Department of Family & Consumer Sciences

College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources

georgia@hawaii.edu

(808) 956-0803

The City and County of Honolulu will establish a fund called the “Small Business Relief and Recovery Fund"

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 15 May 2020 19:39:04 GMT

Original Source of the Article

The purpose is to reimburse small businesses for costs incurred from business interruption due to Emergency Proclamations and help small businesses implement safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The City and County of Honolulu has been allocated funds under the Coronavirus Relief Fund, with Federal guidance that authorizes application of a portion of these funds for expenses associated with the provision of economic support in connection with the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The fund will be called “Small Businesses Relief and Recovery Fund” or SBRRF, to provide grants to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency and provide one-time grants of $10,000 to each qualified business. Beneficiaries of this Relief Fund would include businesses greatly injured by the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency such as boutiques, food establishments, accommodations, entertainment and recreation establishments, personal care services, auto transportation, retail businesses, and other businesses

The City and County of Honolulu through the Office of Economic Development (OED) will partner with participating local credit unions who will distribute the grant funds.

The partner Credit Unions are:

· Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union

· Hawaii State Federal Credit Union

· Hawaii USA Federal Credit Union

· Honolulu Federal Credit Union

Read the full press release here.

Guidelines, Application, and other details will be added on this website as they become available. The program will launch on Monday, May 18th.

NDPTC & PURL Survey

Alla Kostenko — Thu, 14 May 2020 00:52:33 GMT

Original Source of the Article

The National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC) and the Pacific Urban Resilience Lab (PURL) at the University of Hawaii, supported by the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and community partners, conducts research and develops training courses for first responders and emergency mangers. They are conducting this brief survey on the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Hawaii. The information from this survey will be used to understand the spread and impacts of the infection. WE ENCOURAGE ALL RESIDENTS TO TAKE OR RETAKE THE SURVEY AS CIRCUMSTANCES MAY HAVE CHANGED. We hope that you can help to distribute the questionnaire more widely. They need to hear more from neighbor island communities and from high risk and under-represented groups. The questionnaire will take about 10 minutes to complete and your participation is Voluntary.

For more information about the survey see the attached PDF.

Here is the SURVEY.

If you have any question regarding this research project, please contact:

Eric Yamashita (ericyama@hawaii.edu)
Jiwnath Ghimire (jiwnath@hawaii.edu)
National Disaster Preparedness Training Center
Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Hawaii at Manoa
2424 Maile Way, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, USA.
Phone number: 808-956-5007

Mahalo,

Marcia Yoshiyama
Marcia Yoshiyama
Economic Development Technician
County of Hawaii
Department of Research and Development
25 Aupuni Street, Room 1301Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720
Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720
Direct Line: (808) 961-8085
Email: Marcia.Yoshiyama@hawaiicounty.gov

COVID-19 — A Guide for County of Hawai'i Community

Alla Kostenko — Tue, 05 May 2020 18:43:17 GMT

The following pamphlet, called “A Guide for Our Community,” was developed to provide information of what programs are available, including financial assistance, food assistance, medical assistance, help for seniors and other resources.

If you are an essential business that is open at this time and would like to provide the guide to your customers and staff, please email chresdev@hawaiicounty.gov with your mailing address and the number of copies, and we will mail you copies.

Find help for your small business at www.hawaiicounty.gov/covidbusinesshelp

SBA to Make Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to U.S. Agricultural Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic

Alla Kostenko — Tue, 05 May 2020 18:40:33 GMT

WASHINGTON – U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza announced today that agricultural businesses are now eligible for SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance programs. SBA’s EIDL portal will reopen today as a result of funding authorized by Congress through the Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act. The legislation, signed into law by the President one week ago, provided additional funding for farmers and ranchers and certain other agricultural businesses affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“For more than 30 years, SBA has been prohibited by law from providing disaster assistance to agricultural businesses; however, as a result of the unprecedented legislation enacted by President Trump, American farmers, ranchers and other agricultural businesses will now have access to emergency working capital,” said Administrator Carranza. “These low-interest, long-term loans will help keep agricultural businesses viable while bringing stability to the nation’s vitally important food supply chains.”

Agricultural businesses include businesses engaged in the legal production of food and fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries (as defined by section 18(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 647(b)). Eligible agricultural businesses must have 500 or fewer employees.

The SBA will begin accepting new EIDL applications on a limited basis only, in order to provide unprecedented relief to U.S. agricultural businesses. For agricultural businesses that submitted an EIDL loan application through the streamlined application portal prior to the legislative change, SBA will move forward and process these applications without the need for re-applying. All other EIDL loan applications that were submitted before the portal stopped accepting new applications on April 15 will be processed on a first-in, first-out basis.

To prepare your application, review this webinar on EIDL and reference this helpful tutorial video that walks through the application process, step by step.

For more information, please visit: www.sba.gov/Disaster.

SBA - Review Procedure for Paycheck Protection Program Loans

Alla Kostenko — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 00:27:34 GMT

Original Source of the Article

Release Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Release Number: 20-35

Contact: Press_Office@sba.gov, (202) 205-7036

WASHINGTON – U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin and U.S. Small Business Administrator Jovita Carranza issued the following statement today on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP):

“The Paycheck Protection Program is providing critical support to millions of small businesses and tens of millions of hardworking Americans.

“We have noted the large number of companies that have appropriately reevaluated their need for PPP loans and promptly repaid loan funds in response to SBA guidance reminding all borrowers of an important certification required to obtain a PPP loan. To further ensure PPP loans are limited to eligible borrowers, the SBA has decided, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, that it will review all loans in excess of $2 million, in addition to other loans as appropriate, following the lender’s submission of the borrower’s loan forgiveness application. Regulatory guidance implementing this procedure will be forthcoming.

“We remain fully committed to ensuring that America’s workers and small businesses get the resources they need to get through this challenging time.”

Resources for Hawaii's Agriculture Industry

Alla Kostenko — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 01:49:15 GMT

Original Source

Recently enacted federal legislation provides resources and initiatives to assist businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This guide provides summary information about major provisions that could offer critical support to Hawaii's agriculture industry.

CLICK FOR GUIDE HERE

H-2A Visa Requirements - News from DHS and USDA

Alla Kostenko — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 18:22:28 GMT

Original Source of the Article

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Legislative Affairs

DHS and USDA Move to Protect American Farmers and Ensure Continued Flow of America’s Food Supply

Department to Temporarily Amend Certain H-2A Requirements During COVID-19 National Emergency

The Department of Homeland Security, with the support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has announced a temporary final rule to change certain H-2A requirements to help U.S. agricultural employers avoid disruptions in lawful agricultural-related employment, protect the nation’s food supply chain, and lessen impacts from the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. These temporary flexibilities will not weaken or eliminate protections for U.S. workers.

Under this temporary final rule, an H-2A petitioner with a valid temporary labor certification who is concerned that workers will be unable to enter the country due to travel restrictions can start employing certain foreign workers who are currently in H-2A status in the United States immediately after United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives the H-2A petition, but no earlier than the start date of employment listed on the petition. To take advantage of this time-limited change in regulatory requirements, the H-2A worker seeking to change employers must already be in the United States and in valid H-2A status.

Additionally, USCIS is temporarily amending its regulations to protect the country’s food supply chain by allowing H-2A workers to stay beyond the three-year maximum allowable period of stay in the United States. These temporary changes will encourage and facilitate the continued lawful employment of foreign temporary and seasonal agricultural workers during the COVID-19 national emergency. Agricultural employers should utilize this streamlined process if they are concerned with their ability to bring in the temporary workers who were previously authorized to work for the employer in H-2A classification. At no point is it acceptable for employers to hire illegal aliens.

“This Administration has determined that continued agricultural employment, currently threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic, is vital to maintaining and securing the country’s critical food supply chain. The temporary changes announced by USCIS provide the needed stability during this unprecedented crisis,” said Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad F. Wolf.

“USDA welcomes these additional flexibilities provided by the Department of Homeland Security today,” said Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “Providing flexibility for H-2A employers to utilize H-2A workers that are currently in the United States is critically important as we continue to see travel and border restrictions as a result of COVID-19. USDA continues to work with the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Labor and the Department of State to minimize disruption and make sure farmers have access to these critical workers necessary to maintain the integrity in our food supply.”

The temporary final rule is effective immediately upon publication in the Federal Register. If the new petition is approved, the H-2A worker will be able to stay in the United States for a period of time not to exceed the validity period of the Temporary Labor Certification. DHS will issue a new temporary final rule in the Federal Register to amend the termination date of these new procedures in the event DHS determines that circumstances demonstrate a continued need for the temporary changes to the H-2A regulations.

The H-2A nonimmigrant classification applies to alien workers seeking to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature in the United States, usually lasting no longer than one year, for which able, willing, and qualified U.S. workers are not available.

# # #

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
www.dhs.gov

UHERO and Hawaii Chambers of Commerce Field New Survey to Gauge Economic Impact of COVID-19

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 19:11:52 GMT

Original Source of the Article

UHERO and Chambers of Commerce across Hawaii are partnering to field a new survey to study the economic impact of COVID-19 on Hawaii businesses. The survey is being fielded in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce, Kauai Chamber of Commerce, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Maui Chamber of Commerce, and Molokai Chamber of Commerce.

Businesses can click here to take the survey, which measures changes in employment and employee wages, revenue, application rates for U.S. Small Business Administration loans and business outlook.

“The information from this survey will help UHERO analyze the impact of the COVID-19 shutdown on businesses and households statewide, and to better assess our existing projections,” said UHERO Executive Director Carl Bonham. “This type of geographic and industrially-detailed information is not available from any traditional data source in real time, and it will be invaluable to our ongoing work.”

“We know that Hawaii businesses are suffering due to COVID-19 impacts. Accurate data on what businesses are experiencing will allow us to shape our continued response and put resources where the Sherry Menor-McNamara, President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii said. “This survey will also give us a foundation to plan for economic recovery and identify industries that need more assistance. Mahalo to our partners at UHERO for developing this valuable tool.”

Contact: Philip Garboden at 215-880-7715 or pgarbod@hawaii.edu.

Businesses Can Take Survey at http://hawaii.surveyshare.com/s/AYAG2AB.

HDOA COVID-19 EMERGENCY FARMER RELIEF PROGRAM

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 06:44:19 GMT

Original Source of the Article

By HNN Staff | April 11, 2020 at 1:33 PM HST - Updated April 11 at 1:33 PM

HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Department of Agriculture is offering a new emergency relief fund to help farmers, ranchers and food producers.

Individuals may receive up to $2,000 worth of aid; groups can get up to $10,000.

The help is coming from $250,000 of the State’s barrel tax fund (Agriculture Development and Food Security Special Fund), which was freed up when the governor signed the March 4 emergency proclamation.

So far the department has received 333 applications, which equals to a total request amount of $1.2 million.

“We all need to make sure that our farmers, ranchers and other food producing operations can survive through and eventually recover from this crisis,” said Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser, chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture.

“We ask that Hawaii consumers continue to support our local farmers and food producers through direct and indirect sales at farmers’ markets and community-supported agricultural efforts. Buy local, it matters," she added.

The review and award process is already underway and fund can be expected later this month.

The department is also considering deferring rent payments for lessees currently in the state’s agricultural land programs.

For more information on these programs and other relief efforts, farmers should contact the Department of Agriculture.

USDA vs SBA Silos

Alla Kostenko — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 08:10:00 GMT

Senator Schatz's website has a page dedicated to farmers and ag businesses and the CARES Act. Those that qualify can either apply for assistance through the USDA or the SBA PPP loan program (click here to determine eligibility, as you can’t apply for both).

Here is the letter from HCA President, Christopher A. Manfredi, addressed to Mr. Dave K. Chun addressing the silos between SBA and USDA.

Hawaii Farm Bureau - Farmer Relief Fund

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 03:26:21 GMT

Original Source of the Article

Farmer Relief Fund

Apply Here

About the program:

AFT’s Farmer Relief Fund will award farmers with cash grants of up to $1,000 each to help them weather the current storm of market disruptions caused by the coronavirus crisis.
Initially, eligible applicants include any small and mid-size direct-market producers. These are defined as producers with annual gross revenue of between $10,000 and $1 million from sales at farmers markets and/or direct sales to restaurants, caterers, schools, stores, or makers who use farm products as inputs.
The application (linked to below in both English and Spanish) is simple and easy to complete but includes sufficient detail to ensure AFT is awarding producers that have the greatest needs. Applicants will be asked to estimate their financial loss.
AFT envisions an initial application round extending until April 23, with grants beginning to be made by May 1.

Apply Here (English)

Apply Here (Spanish)

Need Assistance?

If you need help accessing or applying for any farm assistance, email Rachele Lamosao at rachele@hfbf.org.

Click here for more COVID-19 Resources

Farms eager for forgivable loans as SBA updates rules

Alla Kostenko — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 03:23:14 GMT

Original Source of the Article

Banks and Farm Credit System institutions on Friday began taking applications from farmers and other small businesses for $349 billion in forgivable loans aimed at shoring up the economy during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Small Business Administration released an interim final rule late Thursday to update and clarify requirements announced earlier in the week for the Paycheck Protection Program. The loans will essentially be grants as long as 75% of the loan proceeds are used to cover payroll costs.

After some initial confusion, farm and banking groups and accounting experts agreed that farms were eligible for the program.

RJ Karney of the American Farm Bureau Federation said Friday that after reviewing the interim final rule it appeared clear that farms with fewer than 500 employees would qualify for the program despite SBA's traditional revenue thresholds that would exclude many producers.

Farm leaders, banking industry officials and accounting experts said there had been considerable confusion in the countryside about whether farms are eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program. Some SBA field offices themselves have been erroneously telling farmers they won't be eligible for PPP assistance, Agri-Pulse was told.

Todd Van Hoose, president and CEO of the Farm Credit Council, said the program will be especially valuable to farm operations with year-round employment, including livestock producers and fruit and vegetable growers since the loans can’t be forgiven unless most of it is used for payroll costs during the crisis.

“Our phones have been ringing off the hook” since the program was announced earlier in the week, Van Hoose said. “Demand is going to be very high, and we’re eager to help.”

SBA made all member institutions of the Farm Credit System eligible to make the loans, he said.

The Independent Community Bankers Association had raised some concerns with the program, including the very low interest rate, 0.5%, that SBA initially said would be charged to borrowers if they are not eligible to have the loan forgiven. The interim final rule released Thursday raised the rate to 1%.

ICBA had said in a letter to SBA and the Treasury Department that the 0.5% rate "would create unacceptable losses for lenders, which have a duty to preserve their good health for the sake of their communities,”

Brian Kuehl, director of federal affairs for the accounting firm KCoe Isom, also expected there to be broad interest in the program. “You can throw a rock and you’ll hit someone who’s having a hard time in agriculture right now,” Kuehl said.

SBA officials have not responded to Agri-Pulse’s questions about the program.

Under the program, businesses with fewer than 500 employees may qualify for a loan up to $10 million, based on their eight weeks of prior average payroll, plus an additional 25% of that amount. To calculate the loan amount, multiply the average monthly payroll for the past year by 2.25, experts say.

The loan will be fully forgiven if the funds are used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities and at least 75% of the loan is used for payroll.

But the value of the program will be limited for some farms because foreign workers, including H-2A visa holders, and independent contractors won’t be eligible for the program. Also, farms who hire most of their workers at harvest would have little payroll costs to apply toward the loan forgiveness.

The American Farm Bureau Federation was originally concerned that many farms would be excluded from the program, but Paul Neiffer, an agricultural accounting specialist with CliftonLarsonAllen, said that based on the interim final rule the PPP loans are exempt from revenue thresholds that apply to other forms of SBA assistance.

"I think the law is pretty clear that revenue does not matter," he said in an email to Agri-Pulse. "It states that borrowers can be small business concerns (which have a revenue component) plus any business concern with less than 500 employees or less than the limit allowed by SBA and it is the greater of these two numbers." Since any businesses with fewer than 500 employees are made eligible the "revenue limits go out the window," he said.

Much of the confusion around farm eligibility for the program apparently stems from the creation of a second, more conventional loan program, called Economic Injury Disaster Loans, for which farms are not currently eligible.

A coalition of farm groups and a bipartisan group of more than 80 House members from agricultural districts are lobbying SBA to make the 3% EIDL loans available to farms. As of Thursday afternoon, the agency had not rendered a decision.

In a letter to SBA on Thursday, the lawmakers said they “were shocked and disappointed that, contrary to Congressional intent, the Small Business Administration singles out farmers and agricultural businesses as ineligible for this program.

The lawmakers demanded SBA provide the legal rationale for excluding farms from the program. Farms have been excluded from earlier versions of the program, but the stimulus bill intended to make the new EIDL loans available to farms, the lawmakers and farm groups say.

Updated with the interim final rule for the PPP loans.

Philip Brasher
Executive Editor

More news from www.Agri-Pulse.com.

Resources Relating to COVID-19

Alla Kostenko — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 23:09:45 GMT

Roll out of the CARE Act and refinement of rules and regulations governing this federal COVID-19 emergency funding iteration #3 continues with the objective of providing relief as quickly and with as limited red tape as possible. By now you’re likely aware that many online sources of information are available. Some sources are general while others are targeted. Mindful of your time and wishing to avoid an overload of information and links you may have already received, the below links might fall in the non-duplicative category.

COVID-19: Helpful Resources for Food & Agriculture - House Agriculture Committee

House Agriculture Committee - USDA Resources

USDA Coronavirus FAQs

SBA - COVID-19 Relief for Small Business

Loans for Nonprofits in the CARES Act

Hawaii Lenders Serving SBA's Hawaii District

Paycheck Protection Program Application and FAQs

Here is the website for those who are tracking the coronavirus pandemic, from the John Hopkins University of Medicine.

4/2/20: Today the DOL Office of Foreign Labor Certification has issued a second round of COVID-19 related H-2A FAQ. The Round 2 FAQs address potential issues regarding the H-2A temporary agricultural labor certification program. View the Round 2 FAQs regarding COVID-19. These, along with other ongoing announcements, are being posted at www.farmers.gov/manage/h2a. Along with these DOL FAQs and State Department’s additional interview waiver flexibilities announced last week, USDA continues to work specifically with DHS on flexibilities related to lawful presence and transfer of workers.

HCA Update on SCA Expo

Alla Kostenko — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 06:34:41 GMT

The SCA management has issued a statement that the Coffee Expo originally planned to take place in Portland, OR in April is now cancelled. See it below.

Take care of yourselves and your loved ones and stay healthy!

SCA Booth Committee
Hawaii Coffee Association

~ ~ ~

2020 Expo and Re:co Canceled, Both Return in 2021

After many weeks of discussions with our partners regarding the impacts of COVID-19 on SCA events, today we are sad to announce that the 2020 Re:co Symposium and Specialty Coffee Expo scheduled to take place in Portland in April are now canceled.

Unfortunately, no other viable dates were available for the show to take place in Portland in 2020. We will be working with the SCA USA Chapter to explore options to hold the final US Coffee Championships of the year at a later date as appropriate. Re:co and Expo will return in April 2021 in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana.

If you registered to attend or exhibit at Expo 2020, please check your inbox for an email with important information. If you have not received an email, please get in touch with us at 2020reg@sca.coffee (for attendees) or exhibit@sca.coffee (for exhibitors).

2021 Dates:

Re:co Symposium: April 21-22, 2021

Specialty Coffee Expo: April 23-25, 2021

I would like to send a heartfelt thank you to every single one of our sponsors, exhibitors, attendees, and volunteers for your patience and understanding over the past few weeks while we negotiated the future of these two events with our partners.

Many of you have gotten in touch with us, wondering why it has taken so long to announce the cancellation of these two events. As you may know, the Specialty Coffee Expo is the largest specialty coffee event in North America, and in order to make it happen, we engage in contracts with the venue and with over two dozen other partners, including hotels and other local businesses.

When it became clear that it would not be possible to find new dates for later in the year in Portland, our negotiations with these partners focused on ending these contracts without putting the SCA, a nonprofit association, in danger of legal retribution from these businesses, who are also experiencing similar difficulties amid this crisis.

The SCA staff and volunteers who gather at Expo every year are heartbroken that we will not be able to see you in Portland this year, but we look forward to seeing you in New Orleans in April 2021.

Stay safe and please remember to take a look at the various resources we have been compiling related to the impact of COVID-19 on the coffee industry by visiting sca.coffee/covid19.

Thank you,

Yannis Apostolopoulos

Chief Executive Officer

Specialty Coffee Association

Request for coffee disease identification and location

Jonathan Sechrist — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 03:07:51 GMT

Earlier this year Dr. Scot Nelson of the University of Hawaii received some photos of spotting on coffee leaves and lesions on the branches. This disease was thought to be coffee ringspot virus. However, more in depth testing identifies these symptoms to be that of Emaravirus.

Dr. Nelson is asking for help from the Hawaii coffee growers to understand the spread of this virus.

Please see Dr. Nelson's web-page for picture and more details.

If you have seen these symptoms on your plants or think you might have this virus on your coffee, please contact Dr. Scot Nelson at snelson@hawaii.edu or 808-956-2000.

Hawaii Coffee Association Crowns 5th Year Champions Of Hawaiian Coffee

Jonathan Sechrist — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 05:25:03 GMT

From: Fern Gavelek Communications, 808-329-0833

Contact: Chris Manfredi, Hawaii Coffee Association, cmanfredi@kaufarmandranch.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HCA CROWNS CHAMPIONS OF HAWAIIAN COFFEE

99 COFFEE ENTRIES VIE IN CUPPING

LIHUE, HAWAI’I - Two Champions of Hawaiian Coffee were crowned in Commercial and Creative divisions during the annual Hawaii Coffee Association’s (HCA) 18th Conference and 5th Cupping Competition at the Kauai Beach Resort on Saturday, July 20.

Big Island Coffee Roasters of the Big Isle’s Hawai’i District was awarded the top spot in the Creative category with a score of 86.939. ‘Creative’ entries are those that had less than 300 pounds of the winning coffee available for purchase. The Creative category encourages farmers to experiment with new varietals and cultivation or processing methods without having to produce a commercial-level quantity of coffee.

Mountain Thunder Coffee from Hawai‘I Island’s Kona District received top honors in the Commercial category scoring 85.51 These entries had at least 300 pounds of the winning coffee available for purchase as of the time of entry. A full listing of all entries that received a score of 80.0 or greater is being provided on the HCA website at hawaiicoffeeassociation.com.

The coffees were ‘cupped’ and scored from a pool of 99 premium Hawaiian coffees from eight statewide districts: Hamakua, Hawai‘i, Ka’u, Kaua‘i, Kona coffee, Maui, Moloka‘i and O’ahu. Coffee cupping is a combination of art and science where coffees are evaluated and scored based on subtle characteristics including flavor, aroma, ”mouth-feel,” acidity, sweetness and aftertaste.

Entries were critiqued by a judging panel of esteemed coffee industry professionals using standardized blind procedures, as defined by the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA). Judges assigned a single numerical score to each coffee (scores provided with release).

The SCAA defines “Specialty Coffee” as a coffee that has a cupping score of 80.0 or greater. Awards were given for up to the top three eligible entries from each district, and the top 10 eligible coffees in each of the Commercial and Creative categories received awards.

Judges for this year’s cupping panel were SCAA President Paul Thornton of Coffee Bean International, SCAA Vice President Shawn Hamilton of Java City Roasters and Warren Muller of Inter-American Coffee.

The scores of entries are going up, according to David Gridley, HCA cupping competition chair. “Nearly 80 percent of the 99 entries achieved a cupping score of 80.0 or greater,” said Gridley. “At our first cupping five years ago, we had 55 to 60 percent of entries scoring 80.0 or more.”

"Constant improvement and moving forward were reoccurring themes of our 5th Annual Cupping Competition,” noted HCA President Greg Stille. “Growers are continually improving farming and processing practices that contribute to the production of high-quality coffee."

The conference also featured an industry trade show, numerous informational speakers, growers’ reports, a hands-on cupping workshop, a silent auction and a tour of Kauai Coffee Company’s farms and facilities.

The Hawaii Coffee Association’s mission is to represent all sectors of the Hawai‘i coffee industry, including growers, millers, wholesalers, roasters and retailers. HCA’s primary objective is to increase awareness and consumption of Hawaiian coffees. A major component of HCA’s work is the continuing education of members and consumers. This annual conference continues to grow each year and is gaining increased international attention.

For more info, visit Hawaii Coffee Association’s website at www.hawaiicoffeeassociation.com.

Hawaii Coffee Association Crowns 4th Year Grand Champions Of Hawaiian Coffee

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 02:00:33 GMT

Hawaii Coffee Association Crowns 4th Year Grand Champions Of Hawaiian Coffee

At 17th Annual Conference on Maui

By Jonathan Sechrist, HCA, 07/21/2012

- Waikapu, Maui, Hawaii

The Hawaii Coffee Association has crowned its Grand Champions of Hawaiian Coffee at its 17th Annual Conference and 4th annual Cupping Competition at the Maui Tropical Plantation in beautiful Waikapu, Maui on Saturday, July 21st.

Wood Valley Coffee Co. from the Ka'u district received Grand Champion honors in the Commercial Category for those entries that had at least 300 pounds of the winning coffee available for purchase as of the time of entry.

Heavenly Hawaiian Farms from the Kona district received Grand Champion honors in the Creative Category for those entries that had less than 300 pounds of the winning coffee available for purchase. The Creative Category encourages farmers to try new cultivation or processing methods without having to produce a commercial-level quantity of coffee.

The coffees were 'cupped' and scored from a pool of 117 premium Hawaiian coffees, a 100% increase ....

Read the entire article

Hawaii Coffee Association Crowns 3rd Hawaiian Coffee Grand Champion

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 01:57:57 GMT

Hawaii Coffee Association Crowns 3rd Hawaiian Coffee Grand Champion

At 16th Annual Conference on Big Island

By Chris Manfredi, HCA, 07/11/2011

- Waikoloa, Hawaii

The Hawaii Coffee Association has crowned its third Grand Champion of Hawaiian Coffee at its 16th Annual Conference and Trade Show at the Hilton Waikoloa located on Konaâ€™s Gold Coast. The HCA joined with Coffee Fest, a national coffee industry trade show to co-host the three-day event.

Rusty's Hawaiian 100% Kaâ€™u Coffee received top honors for the second consecutive year in the competition between coffees entered from each growing origin in Hawaii. The coffees were 'cupped' and scored from a pool of 58 premium Hawaiian coffees from eight districts by a panel of six notable coffee industry professionals using standardized blind procedures. Awards were given to the top three entries from each origin as well as the Grand Champion award.

Lorie Obra of Rusty's Hawaiian accepted the coveted HCA award presented by witty commentator and keynote speaker Howard Dicus. Lorie passionately expressed simultaneous joy and sorrow adding that she was emotionally torn between sadness and elation because her late husband and farm namesake, Rusty could not share the award while expressing joy over realizing his dream. "This is for my late husband, our....

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Hawaii Coffee Association Crowns Grand Champion of Hawaiian Coffee

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 01:54:58 GMT

Hawaii Coffee Association Crowns Grand Champion of Hawaiian Coffee

At 15th Annual Conference on Big Island

By Chris Manfredi, HCA, 07/18/2010

- Keauhou Bay, Hawaii

The Hawaii Coffee Association crowned its second statewide Grand Champion of Hawaiian Coffee last evening at its 15th Annual Conference and Trade Show at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa located on Kona's Gold Coast.

Rusty's Hawaiian 100% Ka'u Coffee received top honors along with coffees entered from each growing origin. Awards were given to the top scoring entry from each district. The top ten overall rankings were recognized at the annual banquet.

Lorie Obra of Rusty's Hawaiian accepted the coveted HCA award presented by Sandra Lee Kunimoto, Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture. Earning a 91.1 score, Obra said,....

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Onouli Farm wins statewide coffee cupping

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 01:51:47 GMT

Onouli Farm wins statewide coffee cupping

Kealakekua orchard was founded more than 100 years ago

By Virginia Easton Smith, Hawaii Tribune Herald, 07/26/2009

All Kona coffee farmers should be celebrating! Kona coffee came out on top in the first statewide Coffee Cupping Competition, held July 10-11 on Maui by the Hawaii Coffee Association as part of its 14th Annual Conference and Trade Show.

Onouli Farm, a 100-plus-year-old farm in Kealakekua, was awarded the coveted first place in the state. Kowali Farm took second and Brazen Hazen Farm came in third, so all top three coffees were from Kona! Ka'u did well too; fourth and fifth place went to R&G Farm and Pavaraga Coffee, respectively.

Of the top 15 coffees, nine were from Kona, three from Ka'u, two from Maui and one from Kauai. Coffee is now grown commercially on Maui, Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai, as well as.... Read the entire article

All of Hawaii is abuzz!

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:45:55 GMT

Maui emerges as a red-hot coffee growing destination at first statewide cupping competition

By Carla Tracy, Dining Editor, Maui News, 07/16/2009

Maui got a big jolt of caffeine adrenaline Saturday evening at Hawaii Coffee Association's first-ever statewide Cupping Competition at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu.

In fact, two Upcountry coffee farms rose like cream to the top 10 of the 69 entrants. The other winners were from Kona and Ka'u, producers of some of the most sought- after and expensive coffees in the world. A Kauai farm ranked high at 15.

So this is quite the coup for the Valley Isle. Those who are thinking about changing careers may want to ponder life as a lucrative Maui coffee farmer.

The Maui winners include Kupa'a Farms of Kula and Keokea Farms below popular Grandma's Coffee House. Kupa'a took first place in the Maui Division and seventh place overall. Keokea placed eighth overall. Both farms are.... Read the entire article

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