August 2017 – The Independent Voice

This is an interesting read for us coffee farmers!  Of 34 mil tons of imported cargo only 2.5% get inspected for pests and diseases. And these minute inspections themselves are more than problematic. 
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/35871988/audit-plant-quarantine-inspectors-share-info-caveman-style-despite-pricey-database
–Submitted by Joaquin Oster

NRCS Announces Farm Bill Program Application Deadline


   Pacific Islands agricultural producers and forestry managers who want to address natural resources and increase environmental benefits are encouraged to sign up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) or the Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA) through the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
  Travis Thomason, PIA NRCS Director, announced that October 20, 2017 will be the application deadline in PIA.  “Producers can sign up for Farm Bill Programs at any time throughout the year, but to compete for the upcoming funding period, I encourage producers with resource concerns to submit an application by the application deadline,” Thomason explains.
   Many applicants have shown interest in funding to address soil erosion and water quality issues on cropland.  However, there are also funding for addressing issues on grazing land operations, confined livestock operations, organic producers, and wildlife habitat improvements, just to name a few.
   Producers interested in EQIP or AMA should submit a signed application to the local NRCS field office or submit it electronically through the Conservation Client Gateway (www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/cgate/). Applications submitted by October 20, 2017 will be evaluated by NRCS staff for funding. 
   Applicants must meet eligibility requirements in order to participate in EQIP or AMA.  NRCS field office staff will work with applicants to determine eligibility and answer ranking questions.  If an application is ranked high enough to be selected for funding, the applicant will work with the local NRCS field office staff to develop a contract.
   EQIP and AMA are voluntary conservation programs available for agricultural producers and forestry managers.  Through these programs, NRCS will provide financial and technical assistance to install conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, improve grazing lands, improve water and air quality, create wildlife habitat, improve forest health and more.  For more information on EQIP or AMA, contact the local NRCS field office or visit www.PIA.nrcs.usda.gov
–Submitted by Adam Reed, NRCS

National Coffee Month

   “A Special Month for Coffee” is the title of an article in the August 2017 edition of Costco’s monthly magazine sent to customers.  The first paragraph of the article reads:
       “How do you celebrate a beverage that is consumed by more than half the population of the United States each day? You give it its own special month, National Coffee Month, in August.”
    This article, however, does not explain who gave coffee its own special month.  Nor does an internet search provide an answer. There are a number of postings urging the celebration of coffee during August, but it is unclear how and by whom the designation was made. One internet posting observes:
       “Our research did not find the creator, or the origin of this [Month]. We did however find that this holiday has been celebrated for many years. There is plenty of documentation to support that National Coffee Month does indeed exist but we don’t know by who or why.
        This holiday is referred to as “National”.  However, we did not find any congressional records or presidential proclamations. Even though we didn’t, this is still a holiday that is publicized to celebrate. So have fun with it and celebrate it!”
     Wikipedia does not have an entry of “National Coffee Month”, but it does have an article that gives September 29 as “National Coffee Day” for the United States and 21 other countries.  Again, the origin of the designation is unclear.
    Whatever the source, we should join the celebration and urge coffee appreciators everywhere to drink many cups of 100% Kona Coffee during the month of August and do the same again on September 29.  Then the wonderfully addictive qualities of Kona Coffee will take care of the rest of the year—with undertones of waving palm trees and sparkling beaches in every sip.
 –Submitted by Bruce Corker

USDA Transportation Cost Reimbursement Program

The USDA announces signup for reimbursement transportation cost payment program (RTCP).  Hawaii farmers are eligible for the RTCP, which provides reimbursement for a portion of transportation costs that are incurred under basic farm activities.  This includes fuel to fertilize to any product that gets shipped here by boat.  Sign up by September 8, 2017.   Don’t be late.  Turn In Payment documentation by November 3, 2017.  For more information, contact Lester at the USDA Farm Service Agency in Hilo at lester.ueda@hi.usda.gov or 808-933-8341.  More info here https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/price-support/RTCP-Program/index
–Submitted by Suzanne Shriner