       The Independent Voice
Newsletter of the Kona Coffee Farmers Association  Â
         March 2023
PO Box 5436 Kailua Kona Hawaii 96745 USA Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
www.konacoffeefarmers.org  [email protected]
Contents
Message from President Petersen
Coffee Symposium Wrap Up
Coffee Roasting Workshop
Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act
Final EA Released for CBB Biocontrol
How about a Cup of Coffee
Coffee infused with Olive Oil…
Do Consumers Have a Price Threshold for Coffee?
Best Panama Winner Selling for $150 Per Cup
Coffee with Milk May have an Anti-Inflammatory Effect
Paying Farmworkers Based on Production Results in Labor Risks
La Niña Continues in Tropical Pacific
How Coffee Really Affects our Bodies
Yemen: the Ancient Origins of Coffee
Reborn Coffee to Distribute Kona Processed Casara Tea
CBB/CLR Pesticide Subsidy
Salute to Business Member – Pacific Coffee Research
Editor – Clare Wilson
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 Mark and Polly Petersen
Message from President Petersen
Aloha KCFA members,
On February 24th the Association held its Annual General Membership meeting to approve bylaw changes and elect new and thank outgoing board members. Cea Smith and Jim Monk have served the Association with vitality and conviction. We would like to thank them for their time and energy. Our board for 2023 has 14 members; Jennifer Anderson, Colehour Bondera, Una Greenway, Shamira Linnett, Mark Petersen, Suzanne Shriner, Franz Weber, Clare Wilson, Carolyn Witcover and John Zulkowski (returning) and newly elected members; Franck Carisey, Johan Besserer, Brandon Walker and Erika Zemby. These volunteers will be working to sustain and grow the future of Kona Coffee. In addition, we would like to thank Suzanne Shriner for her service as president in 2022. The new officers include Mark Petersen as President, Suzanne Shriner Vice-President, Carolyn Witcover Treasurer and Erika Zemby Secretary.
Earlier that day, we also held our first Association event since the pandemic. It was a day where member farmers reconnected with each other and with supporters from allied industries. There was also a broad-based knowledge sharing symposium discussing topics such as Agroforestry, Invasive species, exporting, soil health, governmental issues, and fast breaking research results about coffee leaf rust.
The Board is looking forward to a productive year for the membership by supporting improvements in regulations influencing our business, facilitating communication of best practices for coffee production and increasing awareness of issues affecting Kona Coffee.
As the incoming President, I look forward to meeting you and sharing our passion for coffee. Although my wife (Polly) and I are new to coffee production, we are not new to the Island of Hawaii. I lived in Kailua -Kona in the early 70’s and eventually enrolled at UH Hilo when the agriculture studies program was just getting started and graduated in 1976. I ended up going to graduate school on the mainland in Animal Science at U of Idaho (for a MS) and Animal (Ruminant) Nutrition at University of Nebraska (for a PhD). I then worked in Extension, Teaching and Research at three Land Grant Universities (Universities of Wyoming, Montana, and New Mexico State) over 30 years and retired after 10 years with USDA-ARS as Supervisory Scientist and Research Leader at a Range Livestock and Ecology Laboratory located in Miles City, Montana. I retired from research in 2019 and Polly retired as a Nursing Professor from Montana State University as we moved to Captain Cook and started the evolution of a property we purchased in early 2013 to a coffee and cacao farm (The Four Sens, LLC). We are located makai of Napoopoo at an elevation below 1000 feet. We have 2 married daughters living in Colorado with our 3 grandchildren.
Like many organizations, the pandemic was difficult for KCFA. With the leadership Suzanne Shriner provided the association in 2022, we made strides to recover from the paralysis of the pandemic. I hope to continue her lead to foster the membership to enhance sustainability, develop prosperity and build the Kona coffee brand.
To KCFA Members – The Association has several working committees that are chaired by Board members. These committees include Communications, Education and Protection, Events and Social, Finance, Membership, Promotion and Legislative. Please email [email protected] with the preferred committee you would like to be involved with as we all work together. You can expect to volunteer 3 to 4 hours a month (sometimes more and sometimes less). We also need you, your participation in regulatory issues influencing Kona Coffee with your testimonies in various settings where we can be persuasive and make a difference
Hope all is well with you and your farm, and I look forward to our collective work,
Mark Petersen, KCFA President
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Coffee Symposium Wrap Up
                                    
KCFA President Suzanne Shriner                       US Representative Jill Tokuda
The KCFA Coffee Symposium held on Friday, February 24, was a resounding success! Thank all of you who attended. The morning started with some reassuring words from Sharon Hurd the incoming head of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and we learned about regenerative farm practices, the role of soil health in fighting CLR, and the latest data on CLR behavior and susceptibility to different products. We must extend a big thank you to the sponsors and exhibitors who provided so much useful information while making it fun. Our crew of volunteers were so great. They pitched in wherever they were needed no matter what their original assignment had been. The audio-visual production was outstanding and we are so grateful to Synergistic Hawaii Ag Council (SHAC) for donating the service to KCFA.
The setting in the Outrigger was lovely with a spectacular view of the ocean and we were lucky that the sun was out. Although lunch was a little late, the food tasted great and we were all able to get back in the room in time to hear Rep. Jill Tokuda’s update on the Farm Bill. Buddha’s Cup provided some great tasting coffee and we went through 13 gallons of the brew! Bay View Farm and several individual donors helped cover some costs and the sales of new t-shirts and hats brought KCFA over the finish line. Without everyone’s help, time, and support, the Symposium wouldn’t have happened. Thank you again and once more, a shout out to our Platinum Sponsors AgCredit, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union, Kamehameha Schools, and Nutrien Ag Solutions. Our Gold Sponsors ASHE, Buddha’s Cup, Hawaii Community Health Center, Hawaii County Department of Research and Development, Hawaii Electric Light Company, and SiteOne Landscape Supply. Our Silver and Bronze Sponsors/Exhibitors, Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Pacific Coffee Research, Captain Cook Trading, CTAHR Extension Services, Federal Services Agency, Hawaii Ant Lab, Lind Insurance, and NRCS and the Kona Conservation District.
I am grateful to all,
Carolyn Witcover, Symposium Committee Chair
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 Coffee Roasting Workshop
A coffee roasting workshop, led by ASHE Roasters and hosted by Lions Gate Farms was held on Saturday, February 25th. Attendees learned the basics of fluid bed coffee roasting compared to drum roasting, and observed a demonstration of the process in Lions Gate’s roasting room. The setup included chaff removal and collection. There were many questions readily answered by Dave Hart of ASHE. Some of the attendees already using older versions of the fluid bed roaster supported the discussions. Mahalo to ASHE and Lions Gate Farm for providing this free workshop.
Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act Re-Introduced
https://tinyurl.com/4km85h6j
“A bipartisan congressional coalition last week revived legislation designed to free up federal funds for research within the United States green coffee sector.
Versions of the bill were originally introduced to the House and Senate in 2021 but never moved passed the committee review stage for votes in the chamber.
Last week, the Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act was re-introduced by a group that included U.S. House of Representatives members Jill Tokuda (Hawaii), Jenniffer González-Colón (Puerto Rico), Ed Case (Hawaii) and Garret Graves (Louisiana), with support from Hawaii Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz…”
Final Environmental Assessment Released for Coffee Berry Borer Biocontrol!Â
https://www.
“HAWAIĘ»I – There has been a Finding of No Significant Impact for the proposed field release of a parasitoid wasp, Phymastichus coffea, for the biological control of CBB in Hawaii.
The application for a permit to release the wasp was submitted the USDA-ARS (Agricultural Research Service) in Hilo and the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture Plant Quarantine Branch.
The wasp “was found to attack four other species in the genus Hypothenemus,” but it did not attack any of the native and beneficial beetles tested.
The document says “it is expected that P. coffea will become established as a classical biological control agent, providing sustained population suppression of CBB in Hawaii. If establishment of P. coffea is variable or unsuccessful in some areas, additional releases will made, or augmentative releases might be considered in some locations.”
–Submitted by Carolyn Witcover
How about a Cup of Coffee?
 https://www.facebook.com/
–Submitted by Franz Weber
Coffee Infused with Olive Oil?
https://www.comunicaffe.com/
“MILAN, Italy – Starbucks unveils a transformational innovation in coffee, Oleato – a line of coffee beverages that brings together the unexpected – Starbucks arabica coffee deliciously infused with a spoonful of Partanna cold pressed, extra virgin olive oil. The result is velvety smooth, delicately sweet, and lush coffee that uplifts each cup with an extraordinary new flavor and texture.
The new beverage platform which launches in Starbucks stores in Italy on Feb. 22, includes: Oleato Caffè Latte, Oleato Iced Shaken Espresso, and Oleato Golden Foam Cold Brew…”
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Do Consumers Have a Price Threshold for Coffee?
https://tinyurl.com/5amzp42d
“…In a new report, “Coffee and Other Things,” Jim Watson, executive director of beverages, Rabobank, says that regarding price, coffee is among the least elastic beverages, meaning that coffee volume is holding up rather well to all of the price increases. Referring to IRI data, Watson explains that coffee volume for the last three months of 2022 is only down mid-single digits versus the same period last year, while price increases were in double digits. It is the lowest-priced (entry level/bottom tier) whole bean/roast and ground brands (in the United States but is likely the same in many other countries as well) that are being hit the hardest, which he says doesn’t come as any surprise. “What is surprising is the absolutely massive price increases that Folgers is making.” The IRI/Rabobank data reveals Folgers prices surging 50% higher…”
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Best Panama Winner Selling for $150 per Cup
https://tinyurl.com/tz2jextb
“A company not known to shy away from expensive coffees, Australian-born Proud Mary Coffee is launching its most expensive coffee ever.
In fact, the coffee may be the world’s most expensive microlot to date. The winner of last year’s prestigious Best of Panama coffee competition, the 100-pound “Black Jaguar Geisha” green coffee lot from renowned producer the Hartmann Estate earned just over $2,000 per pound at a global auction.
[Editor’s note: DCN typically refers to the coffee variety as Gesha, but defers to the preferred name given by producers if the variety is part of a proper name.]
Proud Mary was among a consortium of buyers from throughout the world to purchase the winning lot, and now the Australian company is bringing it to the United States market in roasted and brewed form.
The cost to taste this winning coffee is $150 per cup…”
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 Coffee with Milk may have an Anti-Inflammatory Effect
https://www.comunicaffe.com/
“COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Can something as simple as a cup of coffee with milk have an anti-inflammatory effect in humans? Apparently so, according to a new study from the University of Copenhagen. A combination of proteins and antioxidants doubles the anti-inflammatory properties in immune cells. The researchers hope to be able to study the health effects on humans.
Whenever bacteria, viruses and other foreign substances enter the body, our immune systems react by deploying white blood cells and chemical substances to protect us. This reaction, commonly known as inflammation, also occurs whenever we overload tendons and muscles and is characteristic of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis…”
Column: Paying Farmworkers Based on Production Results in Labor Risks
https://tinyurl.com/2wxknbdf
“[Editor’s note: This is Part 4 of an ongoing editorial series led by Verité exploring labor issues affecting the global coffee sector through its U.S. Department of Labor-funded Cooperation On Fair, Free, Equitable Employment (COFFEE Project). See more of Verité’s work on coffee here. Daily Coffee News does not engage in sponsored content of any kind and all views or opinions expressed in this piece are those of the author’s.]
Farmworkers employed on coffee farms across Latin America are generally paid piece rates, based on the amount of coffee harvested and/or for meeting specific production targets, such as the area of land weeded or the number of coffee plants fertilized.
Piece-rate pay and production quotas or targets are common practices in the coffee sector. However, when there is a lack of adequate controls, these practices can contribute to an increase in numerous labor risks…”
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La Niña Continues in Tropical Pacific Ocean, Climate Drivers are in Transition
https://www.comunicaffe.com/
“MELBOURNE, Australia – La Niña continues in the tropical Pacific Ocean reports the Bureau of Meteorology of the Australian Government in its latest update. While oceanic indicators, including sea surface temperatures (SSTs), have weakened to ENSO-neutral values, the atmosphere has been slower to respond and remains La Niña-like. Even as La Niña weakens, it can continue to influence global weather and climate.
All models anticipate SSTs in the central Pacific Ocean will warm further, but remain at neutral levels (neither La Niña nor El Niño) until at least mid-autumn. As accuracy is generally lower for long-range ENSO forecasts made during summer, ENSO outlooks that extend past autumn should be viewed with caution…”
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The Truth about Caffeine: How Coffee Really Affects our Bodies
https://www.theguardian.com/
“Coffee. Go juice. Liquid gold. The one with all the psychoactive properties. Once used by Sufi mystics as an aid to concentration during religious rituals, it’s now one of the most ubiquitous drinks on the planet: we get through about 2bn cups a day.
It’s also one of the most valued and pored-over drinks. One particularly sought-after blend, Black Ivory, which is produced by encouraging elephants to digest arabica berries, retails at more than £2,000 a kilogram, while coffee- making championships attract thousands of spectators.
But what does it actually do to you? You might have a vague idea that caffeine wakes you up, wrecks your sleep and can aid sporting performance, but do you know how much you can drink safely? Considering that a typical americano contains more than 100 biologically active ingredients other than caffeine, what do you know about the drug you are glugging two or three times a day? What is happening inside your body when you have a double espresso in the morning?
How quickly does it act?…”
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 Yemen: The Ancient Origins of Coffee
https://www.coffeegeek.com/
“Although coffee beans originated in the mountainous regions of Western Ethiopia, the earliest written evidence of cultivation appeared in 12th century Yemen. Likely carried over the Red Sea by Ethiopian invaders, the plant became a foundational aspect of Islamic culture once on the Arabian peninsula. It is the favorable growing conditions of the Yemenese highlands which attributes the name to coffee lover’s beloved species: coffea arabica.
Once harvested, the beans trickled down the hills to a port on the Red Sea bearing another familiar name: Mocha. For centuries, the small city was the only gateway for coffee sold internationally. Tightly regulated by their Ottoman rulers, coffee beans were forbidden to leave Yemen without first being roasted to prevent germination…”
Reborn Coffee to Distribute Kona Processed Cascara Tea
https://www.comunicaffe.com/
“Reborn Coffee, Inc., a California-based retailer of specialty coffee, today announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bay View Farm, a Kona coffee producer located on the Big Island of Hawaii, to produce and distribute Hawaiian cascara tea worldwide.
“Cascara”, an herbal drink made from the dried skins and/or pulp of the fruit of the coffee plant that remain after the coffee beans have been collected from within.”
CBB/CLR Pesticide Subsidy
COFFEE FARMERS: LAST CHANCE to take advantage of the HDOA CBB-CLR Pesticide Subsidy to get 50% back on your receipts for sprays. First come, first serve as the funding lasts, but you must have completed your application by June 1, 2023. Yes! We are reimbursing Coffee Leaf Rust spray products on our approved list!! We are reimbursing receipts from July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022 for approved CBB & CLR sprays. Start your application here and we’ll help you complete it as your prefer: online, by email, by snailmail, or in person. If you’ve never used the program before, we will also request your GET#, FEIN#/SS#, and drivers license. Please contact Melanie Bondera at [email protected] or 808-323-7578 with questions. Coffee Farmers are all seeing the yield and profit loss in the current harvest from last year’s bad round of CLR. Please take advantage of this last round of the Subsidy to help ease farm finances.
Melanie Bondera, CBB-CLR Subsidy Program
Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Phone: 808-323-7578
Physical address:
82-6130 Mamalahoa Hwy, Room # 7, Captain Cook, HI 96704
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Salute to Business Member – Pacific Coffee Research
Quality-Focused        Women-Owned
Pacific Coffee Research was founded in 2017 with this intention to shape the Hawai’i coffee
community through education, collaboration, and support services. PCR hosts a Specialty
Coffee Association (SCA) Premier Training Campus and Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) Lab and
our team includes experienced coffee educators, Authorized SCA trainers, Licensed CQI Q-Graders and Instructors, and certified equipment technicians. It’s here that we host community events, Q-grader analysis services, contract roasting, and provide workshops, certificate courses, and skills training to baristas, roasters, producers, and everyone who wants to learn about coffee.
We strive to promote community and contribute an open space for collaboration. We volunteer on the boards of the Synergistic Hawaii Agriculture Council and the Hawaii Coffee Association.
We believe our industry makes great strides forward when we work together to find solutions with a holistic approach. We are here to support Kona growers! – Illuminate the Supply Chain
[email protected]Â Â or 808-494-2643
Please support our Business Members. They support us.
–Submitted by Membership Committee
Recipes Wanted! If any of you have recipes that you would like to share, please submit them to the editor: [email protected]
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