KCFA Board Meeting Minutes
July 15, 2009
Call to Order 4PM
June minutes and treasurers report deferred to next monthly meeting.
Members present: B. Corker, K. Wood, C. Bondera, M. Lake, R. Barnes, N. Griffith, R. Anders, T. Belcastro, D. Sims, M. Moss
Harold Hoogasian, liaison to OriGIn, sent his report from the conference of the Organization for International Indications in Teruel, Spain. The conference is a network of regional identities (Geographical Indications) for specific items and is based in Geneva, Switzerland. Harold, representing Kona coffee was only 1 of 2 US attendees – the other being Idaho potatoes. Cea is posting his full report on the KCFA website.
Bruce Corker also reported on his attendance at a 3 day conference at the University of Arkansas Ag Summit in Fayetteville. Bruce presented a resolution endorsing the conference’s place-of-origin initiative. The resolution was voted on and adopted by the board.
Bruce also gave the Legislative Report
1—GMO RES-EMPTION Bill—Bruce Corker (june 25) and Melanie Bondera (July9) have represented the KCFA in two ad hoc committee meetings organized by County Council Member Pete Hoffmann. Melanie’s report for the July 9 meeting is:
The County GMO Free Proactive Task Force is working with Pete Hoffman to introduce a resolution to the County Council supporting home rule, family farms and agricultural decision making at the County level as opposed to the State and Federal level. The language will be aimed at the aspects of HB 1226 that take away County control. A draft will be ready for the next meeting early in August to be group edited by the task force. Task force members should send Pete Hoffman Whereas clauses in the interim.
2—TRUTH-IN-LABELING—The Legislative Committee continues to work on the strategies for progress on reform of the state’s “10% blend” labeling law in the upcoming legislative session.
3—LABELING COMPLAINT—In June a complaint was lodged with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture over Hawaii Coffee Company’s marketing of “international blend coffee: in packages labeled “GOURMET HAWAIIAN COFFEE”. We are awaiting a response from HDOA representatives.
Colehour reported we are now at 257 members.
Tom Belcastro reported on Pricing Info with the information being posted online at KCFA website.
Cea gave Website & PR report:
Web
Sent emails to Classified people asking for up dates. Now up-to-date
Added workshop photos of June 23
Usual communications
PR
Burke Museum PR sent out
Submitted form for Coffee Talks Magazine’s annual “Project: Making a Difference Issue” citing our 10% Blend efforts
Marylou reported on the Seattle @ Burke museum on the University of Washington campus where 100% Kona Coffee was showcased in the “Coffees of the World” presentation/event.
Tom Belcastro introduced Brent Hight, General Manager of KOA Coffee Co, and he updated us with a review of coffee cherry pricing variables as relates to his company at this time.
Colehour Bondera is seeking a position on the National Organic Standards Board.
Nancy Griffiths is seeking a position on the Farm Services Agency Committee.
Request of any interest for KCFA to join in on the Varroa Mite Steering Committee. Bruce sending email soliciting of any member interest in representing.
Meeting adjourned 5:30PM
Respectfully submitted:
Mary Lake, Secretary
