   The Independent Voice
Newsletter of the Kona Coffee Farmers Association  Â
         July 2022
PO Box 5436 Kailua Kona Hawaii 96745 USA
Contents
Legislative Update â Candidate Questionnaires
FedEx Discount for KCFA Members
Seeking Growers to Interview for Farm Study
History of Coffee throughout the Hawaiian Islands
Exporting from Hawaii â Webinar
Coffee has a Nitrogen Fertilizer Dilemma
Add Coffee to your Steak Rub
Coffee Chaff is Making its Way into New Ford Cars
China May be Collecting Data through your Coffee Maker
Salute to Business Member â Captain Cook Trading Co
Recipe: Kona Coffee Ice cream
Editor – Clare Wilson
Legislative Update â Candidate Questionnaires
The Legislative Committee, together with input from Executive Committee members, drafted the Candidate Questions set forth below. Responses will be posted on the KCFA website. Please encourage everyone you know to review and consider candidate responses to these questions before casting ballots for the August primary elections.
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Candidate Questions
GOVERNOR & LT. GOVERNOR
Question 1: The 2022 legislative session mandated an economic impact study of the 10% blend law on Kona and other Hawaiian coffee farmers. Will you support the prompt completion of that study and a thorough airing of its contents? Will you support reform of Hawaiiâs 10% blend law? And what will you pledge to do to support the change?
Question 2: The Hawaii Department of Agriculture has said repeatedly over the last number of years that its budget has been cut so drastically that it cannot perform the various tasks assigned to it by the Legislature. The HDOAâs share of the Stateâs annual budget is less than one-half of one percent (<.005). To strengthen support for Hawaii farmers, will you support measures to significantly increase funding for the HDOA?
STATE LEGISLATURE
State Senate, District 3; House of Representatives Districts 5,6,7,8
Question 1: The 2022 legislative session mandated an economic impact study of the 10% blend law on Kona and other Hawaiian coffee farmers. Will you support the prompt completion of that study and a thorough airing of its contents? Will you support reform of Hawaiiâs 10% blend law? And what will you pledge to do to support the change?
Question 2: The Hawaii Department of Agriculture has said repeatedly over the last number of years that its budget has been cut so drastically that it cannot perform the various tasks assigned to it by the Legislature. The HDOAâs share of the Stateâs annual budget is less than one-half of one percent (<.005). To strengthen support for Hawaii farmers, will you support measures to significantly increase funding for the HDOA?
Question 3: Because of COVID, the Legislature set up a system for testimony at committee hearings via Zoom. For neighbor island residents, this system for live virtual testimony (like what the Alaska Legislature and the Hawaii County Council have had in place for years) allowed Kona residents to give testimony in 2021 and 2022 without the expense or loss of a day resulting from travel to Honolulu. If elected, will you introduce and support a bill to require and make permanent the system for live virtual testimony?
US CONGRESS CANDIDATES–US Senate; House of Representatives, District 2
Question 1: In a federal court class action lawsuit, Kona coffee farmers have recovered more than $15 million in settlement payments from companies accused of marketing fraudulent Kona coffee. More effective than lawsuits, however, would be active enforcement of fair labeling laws by the FDA. What ideas do you have to accomplish that?
Question 2: In recent years invasive species such as Coffee Berry Borer, Coffee Leaf Rust, and Avocado Lace Bug have been introduced into Hawaii and are drastically reducing the income of farmers. What can you do to bring federal subsidy funds directly to farmers to combat these destructive new agricultural pests?
Question 3: When we fly to the mainland, USDA agents scan luggage and remove fruits, vegetables and other plant material to prevent damage to mainland farms. When we fly into Hawaii, there is a voluntary disclosure system and âAmnesty Binsâ–and no involvement on the part of the USDA. What are your ideas on how to bring the same type of USDA protections to Hawaii farmers as provided to mainland farmers?
HAWAII COUNTY COUNCILâDistricts 6,7,8
Question 1: Konaâs coffee farmers recognize and very much appreciate the unanimous adoption last fall of County Council Resolution No. 223-21 asking the Legislature to change the 10% coffee blend labeling law to a minimum of 51%. As farmer efforts for coffee labeling reform continue, what do you believe the County Council can do by way of additional support?
Question 2: Hawaii County is the preeminent agricultural county in the state, but the County does not have a separate County Department of Agriculture. Will you pledge to work for creating such a department to support farmersâand, in particular, to support farmer efforts to combat recently introduced invasive pests like Coffee Berry Borer, Coffee Leaf Rust, and Avocado Lace Bug?
Question 3:Â Because of COVID, the Legislature set up a system for testimony to committee hearings via Zoom. For neighbor island residents, this system for live virtual testimony (like what the Alaska Legislature and the Hawaii County Council have had in place for years) allowed Hawaii County residents to give testimony in 2021 and 2022 without the expense or loss of a day resulting from travel to Honolulu. Will you introduce and support a resolution asking the Legislature to enact a law making the system for live virtual testimony permanent?
–Submitted by the Legislative Committee
FedEx Discount for KCFA Members!
VOTING MEMBERSÂ please join us on July 14 to learn about a new Member benefit with FedEx. This is a discount program for domestic and international shipping. Watch your inbox for a separate mailing from KCFA that provides the Zoom link. We will also record the session so you can watch it in the future if needed.â
–Submitted by Carolyn Witcover
Seeking Growers to Interview for Coffee & Other Crops Farm Study
Please participate and share with others in Hawaii from whom Alexa might benefit.
Ms. Alexa White (University of Michigan Ph.D. candidate) will be on the Big Island from June 29 and for a couple of months to conduct a comparative study between farms in Hawaii and Jamaica to highlight differences in farm management styles and cultivars. She is looking to interview farmers or managers.
The questionnaires will cover severity of disease among crops, relationships with other farmers and opinions on farming practices. Each interview will take ~20 minutes and all responses will be anonymous.
If anyone is interested, they can contact Alexa directly at email: alexaw@umich.edu or phone: +1 (973) 752-4098
–Submitted by Suzanne Shriner
History of Coffee Throughout the Hawaiian Islands
Peter Young, well known for his extensive knowledge of Hawaiian history presents the history of coffee production in Hawaii in this article. His posts also include the history of the early settlers of what is now the United States.
 https://imagesofoldhawaii.com/dole-came-to-hawaii-to-grow-coffee/
âDon Francisco de Paula y Marin recorded in his journal, dated January 21, 1813, that he had planted coffee seedlings on the island of OÊ»ahu. The first commercial coffee plantation was started in KĆloa, Kauai, in 1836.â
–Submitted by Clare Wilson
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| Sam Knowlton | June 7, 2022 |
âThe cascading effects of the pandemic, supply chain pressures and Russiaâs war in Ukraine have skyrocketed the price of nitrogen fertilizer, by some estimates as much as 300%, since 2020.
As a result, farmers of all types and sizes worldwide are taking a big hit â and few have been hit quite as hard as coffee farmers.
Coffee farmers operate on razor-thin margins, often selling coffee for less than the cost of production. As if that werenât enough, many coffee farmers are also contending with a changing climate, pests and diseases that threaten their production outputâŠâ
Add Coffee to your Steak Rub
https://coffeetalk.com/daily-dose/top-news/06-2022/92525/
â …typical morning routine for may consist of several different routines including personal hygiene and physically activity. For many, one of the more comforting parts of the morning is sipping on a fresh, hot cup of coffee while the sun rises. While it provides plenty of caffeine and warmth, coffee is also used to enrich decadent desserts such as tiramisu. In fact, Swift River Coffee states that coffee makes cakes and brownies taste richer, especially when using a strong brewed coffee. But surely such pronounced and robust notes couldnât possibly be incorporated into savory dishes, much less a certain type of protein that is coveted by grill masters and high-end steakhouses alike.
As it turns out, coffee isnât just for drinking and sweet treats after all. It also adds rich and nutty flavors to steak dry rubs, like this sweet, smoky, and garlicky one. But why go the extra mile to combine coffee with a steak rub? Isnât a steak rub by itself enough to pump up the proteinâs flavor? Weâll happily provide insight into the answers of these questionsâŠâ
Coffee Chaff is Making into New Ford Cars
https://dailycoffeenews.com/2019/12/31/coffee-chaff-is-making-its-way-into-new-ford-cars/
âCoffee chaff, the dried silverskin from coffee beans that separates from the bean during the roasting process and tends to fly everywhere, is landing somewhere new: inside car parts that would otherwise rely on more plastic.
Ford Motor Company and McDonaldâs announced last week that the automaker is beginning to use coffee chaff collected from a McDonaldâs roasted coffee supplier in plastic car parts such as headlamp components, and other interior or under-hood componentsâŠâ
China may be Collecting Data through your Coffee Maker
https://www.comunicaffe.com/china-may-collect-big-data-through-your-coffee-machine/
âMILAN â China may be using may be using Internet of Things (IoT) software inside smart coffee makers to spy on the owners of the devices. American researcher Christopher Balding claims he found evidence that China is collecting data through smart coffee machines made in that country, The Washington Times reported.
Baldingâs report at New Kite Data Labs said internet-connected coffee machines are part of a broader data-collection effort aimed at the âinternet of thingsâ devices with low security and unclear data policiesâŠâ
Isic Busts some Myths about Coffee on Digestion
https://www.comunicaffe.com/isic-busts-some-common-myths-about-coffee-on-digestion/
âMILAN, Italy â The Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (Isic) is busting some common myths on the impact of coffee on digestion and the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract. Astrid Nehlig, Ph.D., Emeritus Research Director at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) and author of a recent review of 194 studies investigating coffeeâs impact on the GI tract, commented:
âCoffee consumption remains a debated topic in relation to bowel or digestive problems. Yet there is a growing body of evidence which suggests that in moderation, coffee may have some useful effects, including an association with improved levels of microflora in the gut. As new data emerges and we become more conscious of how to manage our health proactively, it is encouraging to see that our morning coffee can contribute to it.âŠâ
–Submitted by Cecelia Smith
Salute to Business Member â Captain Cook Trading Co
https://www.captaincooktrading.com/
Most coffee farmers probably know Emmerich Grosch at Captain Cook Trading. He has been a long time supporter of KCFA and the community and is one of the primary and sometimes the only âgo toâ place for specialized equipment such as pulpers and roasters. He also offers a wide range of supplies such as moisture meters and bags. Emmerich enjoys helping farmers and also showing visitors his store in Kealakekua. He says that the reason he supports KCFA through his Business Membership is âthat he appreciates the referralsâ. Be sure to call or visit Captain Cook trading for your equipment needs
–Submitted by Carolyn Witcover
Recipe: Coffee Ice Cream
https://coffeetalk.com/daily-dose/top-news/06-2022/92570/
From Ree Drommond  https://www.thepioneerwoman.com
YIELDS: 2 quarts
1 cup of granulated sugar
1 pint of heavy cream
1 cup of whole milk
A dash of salt
6 egg yolks
1/2 cup of intensely brewed coffee
Chocolate shavings, if desired
- In a medium pot, combine the sugar, heavy cream, milk and salt. Place over medium heat, and stir frequently, just until the sugar is dissolved (do not boil). Remove from the heat.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Remove 1/3 cup of the warm cream mixture from the pot. While whisking the yolks constantly, slowly drizzle the cream into the eggs to temper. Transfer the warmed egg mixture to the pot with the remaining cream mixture, whisking well to combine. Return the pot to medium heat, stirring frequently with a rubber spatula to scrape the bottom and corners of the pan, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (on a thermometer, the temperature should be between 160° to 180°). Immediately pour through a mesh strainer into a large bowl and set it over a bowl of ice water. Stir to cool the mixture.
- Add the coffee and stir until the mixture is at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate the ice cream base for 4 hours until cold, or overnight.
- Transfer to an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You can eat this directly from the machine, like soft serve, or transfer to a container to freeze for at least 6 hours, or up to 48 hours, for best texture and scoop-a-bility. Serve topped with chocolate shavings, if you like.
Recipes Wanted! If any of you have recipes that you would like to share, please submit them to the editor: clarewilson98@gmail.com
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! >> Write to us. We welcome Letters to the Editor up to 150 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Include your name and email address >> Email: info@KonaCoffeeFarmers.org with SUBJECT: Commentary.
Suggestion Box
Let us know what you would like to see in our newsletter. Suggestions on what to include or not. What could we do better. Let us know. Clarewilson98@gmail.com
