The Independent Voice
“Best Agricultural Newsletter in Hawaii”
Newsletter of the Kona Coffee Farmers Association
September 2024
PO Box 5436 Kailua Kona Hawaii 96745 USA
www.konacoffeefarmers.org info@konacoffeefarmers.org
Contents
Message from President Petersen
Local Company’s Support of 100% Kona Coffee
Brasil’s Coffee Protection of the Cerrado Mineiro origin
WCR’s Six Year F1 Hybrid Variety Trial
Washed vs Natural Processing of Coffee Beans
Too Much Coffee Linked To Accelerated Cognitive Decline
Save the Date: Oct. 17th KCFA Social Gathering
Cartoon
Farm Service Administration County Advisory Board
CBB-CLR SUBSIDY UPDATE
Budget Friendly Coffee Grinders
Study: Coffee May Protect Brains that had Early-Life Stress
Researcher Explore Robusta as Arabica Replacement
Occasional Invasive Pest Mini-Conference: Lanternfly
Coffee Processing Class at PCR – September 24
Smaller Arabica Beans may Affect Brazil’s Final Harvested Volume
Climate Models Suggest La Niña by October
Farmer to Farmer on Facebook
Recipe: Cold Brew Coffee
Editor – Clare Wilson
Message from President Petersen
Aloha KCFA Members,
As we embrace the spirit of the Kona coffee picking season, I am filled with gratitude as we breathe a collective sigh of relief as hurricane Hone passed without leaving much of a mark on our farms. Hopefully during the upcoming tropical disturbances, our farms will remain unscathed.
This past month has been an example of our collegiality among our association members. The Farmers’ Gathering at Kahaluu Park was a delightful affair, with members enjoying pupus and engaging conversations. The Soil and Plant Nutrition Talk at Greenwell’s farm not only educational but also sparked interesting side discussions, further solidifying our bond as KCFA members. A heartfelt mahalo to the Events and Education committees for orchestrating these enriching experiences. Let’s mark our calendars for October 17, anticipating another laid back Farmers’ Gathering.
In our continuous effort to foster transparency and involvement, we reinstated the tradition of welcoming members to the KCFA Board meetings. It was encouraging to see six members join us last month, with two sharing valuable insights with the Board before the meeting was called to order. We eagerly await more participation in our next meeting on September 18 at 3:30 pm at the CTAHR Extension office in Kainaliu.
Your commitment and support of Kona Coffee are the backbone of this association. Together, we cultivate not only the world-renowned Kona coffee but also a community rooted in aloha.
Mahalo nui loa!
Mark Petersen, KCFA President
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Local Company’s Support of 100% Kona Coffee
This is an example of what each of us can do to spread the support of 100% Kona coffee. KCFA member Bruce Corker questioned Diamond bakery about their use of “Kona coffee” in their list of shortbread cookie ingredients earlier this year.
The August “Independent Voice” included an article about the commitment of Diamond Bakery of Honolulu to transition to flavoring its “Kona Coffee Hawaiian Shortbread” cookies with 100% Kona-Grown Coffee. As of August 2, that transition has been completed and this product (served to passengers of Alaska Airlines) now provides accurate labeling to consumers. Here is the communication from the president of Diamond Bakery confirming the change:
>>>>>>>>>>>
I am pleased to confirm that as of August 2, 2024, Diamond Bakery has successfully transitioned to using 100% Kona coffee in our products. Our previous 10% blend has been fully depleted, and we are now exclusively using item #632006 RK 100% Kona Whole Bean 10/32oz coffee from Hawaii Coffee Company as our source for 100% Kona coffee.
We are proud to support Kona coffee farmers and uphold the quality and authenticity of Kona coffee in our offerings. We would be delighted to be featured in the September Kona Coffee Farmers Association newsletter, and we thank you for considering us for inclusion in your article.
Thank you once again for your support and aloha spirit.
Warm regards,
Butch Galdeira
Diamond Bakery
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Coffee Growers Association campaigns to protect authenticity of the Cerrado Mineiro origin
https://tinyurl.com/245kybjy
“To tackle the misuse of the first Designation of Origin (DO) for coffees in Brazil, the “Cerrado Mineiro” stamp, and raise awareness of the importance of consuming authentic coffee with traceable origins, the Coffee Growers’ Federation is launching a campaign that also aims to increase the supply of certified coffee on the market, with a forecast of 600,000 to 700,000 bags in the 2024/2025 harvest, compared to 115,000 bags in the 2023/24 season.
“We have noticed that many packages of coffee, whether green or industrialised, have been improperly labelled with the DO “Cerrado Mineiro,” which could compromise the region’s reputation and harm consumers choices, partners and producers. This is considered an infringement of the rules of the Federation of Coffee Growers of the Cerrado, which has its Designation of Origin registered by the INPI (National Institute of Industrial Property). That’s why we want to be closer to the different links in the chain to provide guidance on the processes for using controlled origin designation,” said Juliano Tarabal, executive director of the Federation of Coffee Growers of the Cerrado…”
WCR Names Private Partners for 6 Year F1 Hybrid Variety Trial
https://tinyurl.com/5emxjbw7
F1 hybrid called Centroamerica
The nonprofit World Coffee Research (WCR) announced the launch of a “pre-commercial trial phase” of new F1 hybrid arabica coffee varieties that have demonstrated potential for high quality, high productivity, disease resistance and climate resiliency.
WCR launched the F1 project in 2015, exploring long-term breeding and cultivation solutions through first-generation hybrid (F1) crosses of existing arabica coffee plant lines. The program responds to threats faced by coffee growers such as the arabica coffee species’ susceptibility to pests and disease and lack of resiliency to climate change.
Why Specialty Coffee Shouldn’t have a Favourite
https://tinyurl.com/263vakkm
“Washed and natural processed coffees make up the vast majority of the market. Both offer different flavour experiences, and therefore cater to different consumer preferences.”
“In recent years, however, it’s been hard to ignore the growing prevalence of natural processed coffees in cafés and roasteries. Revered for their fruit-forward flavour profiles, more and more coffee shops have started to serve naturals as espresso.”
“But at the same time, with their clean and bright cup profile, washed coffees will remain a staple on most menus. So is there a clear winner between the two? And should it matter?”
Follow the link above for more details.
Too Much Coffee Linked to Accelerated Cognitive Decline
https://tinyurl.com/4shpkx35
“Drinking more than three cups of coffee a day is linked to more rapid cognitive decline over time, results from a large study suggest.
Investigators examined the impact of different amounts of coffee and tea on fluid intelligence — a measure of cognitive functions including abstract reasoning, pattern recognition, and logical thinking.”
“It’s the old adage that too much of anything isn’t good. It’s all about balance, so moderate coffee consumption is okay but too much is probably not recommended,” study investigator Kelsey R. Sewell, PhD, Advent Health Research Institute, Orlando, told Medscape Medical News.”
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Save the Date: October 17th!
The next KCFA social farmer gathering is a potluck on October 17th at Kahalu’u Beach Park from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. BYOB
Let’s get together and share some stories!
Farm Service Administration County Advisory Board
Every Farm Service Administration (FSA) office in the United States is required by law to have a County advisory board made up of local farmers and ranchers. Members of the board (called a County Committee) (COC) are elected by their peers (local farmers and landowners) in the fall of every year.
County committees impact the administration of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) within a
community. They help make determinations on programs such as disaster assistance, hiring decisions, and assist with outreach. County committee members can impact producers through their decision making and help shape the culture of a local FSA office. They also ensure the fair and equitable administration of FSA farm programs in their counties and are accountable to the Secretary of Agriculture.
The Hawaii FSA office will be conducting elections to the COC for the area that includes the Kona Coffee region this coming fall. Kona Coffee Farmers need to register to vote in the upcoming elections so as to elect a coffee farmer for the COC. Please contact the FSA at (808) 933-8381 and ask to register for the upcoming COC election process.
For more information about FSA county committees, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/elections or visit a local FSA office. To find your local FSA office, visit http://offices.usda.gov.
CoffeeGeek’s Picks for Budget Friendly Coffee Grinders
https://coffeegeek.com/guides/
“One of the oldest mantras preached here at CoffeeGeek is the absolute importance of the grinder to quality coffee in the home. It is the most important element. More than the espresso machine; more than the fancy auto drip; more than even the water you’re using (assuming you’re using clean drinkable water to begin with). Even finding a better coffee bean won’t give you a bigger quality jump than a good grinder will.
In 2003, our Senior Editor was quoted in a Canada-wide syndicated newspaper feature, claiming he could make better espresso with a $200 espresso machine and a $400 grinder, than he could with a $4,500 espresso machine and a $50 grinder. Today, that remains true in spirit, but the dollar numbers have changed. The days of a good sub $200 espresso machine – at least a pump driven one – are long gone.
On the flip side, the entry point for a quality grinder has dropped substantially…”
CBB-CLR Subsidy Update
Aloha Coffee Farmers,
If you completed an application for the CBB-CLR Pesticide Subsidy Program for Fiscal Year 2023-24, you should receive your check in coming months. If you have questions about the timing of this or need to change your mailing address, contact Darcy Oishi at 808-973-9524 or Darcy.E.Oishi@hawaii.gov.
Act 216 creates this program through 6/30/26 (reimbursing receipts through 6/30/25). Please save your receipts. A list of eligible products are listed here: Approved CBB-CLR Product List. The Fiscal Year 2024-25 Program will reimburse at the 75% rate, receipts from 7/1/23- 6/30/24 (pending funding). The program will open sometime later this year. Please contact Darcy Oishi for an update.
To get your email or phone on a notification list for when the program is ready, please email at hdoa.cbb@hawaii.gov or leave a message at (808) 323-7578.
Melanie Bondera has left the program after six years and wishes you healthy trees and high yields this coffee harvest season.
Study: Coffee May Protect Brains that had Early-Life Stress
https://tinyurl.com/ydpta445
“Naturally occurring chemical compounds in coffee may mitigate cognitive deficits occurring later in life that are associated with early-life stress, according to a new study.
The study focused on two common polyphenols in coffee, chlorogenic and caffeic acids, finding that they reduced cognitive impairments in adult mice following early-life dietary interventions.
Chlorogenic acid, which is particularly abundant in brewed coffee, has previously been linked to reduced risk of chronic diseases, while caffeic acid has been associated with numerous benefits to human health.
For the new study, led by a group of researchers throughout Europe and published in the Elsivier journal Neurobiology of Stress, male mice were fed either a control diet of grain, or a diet supplemented by small concentrations of the two polyphenols.
Mice that were fed the supplemented diet showed improved cognitive results, specifically an improved hippocampal neurogenesis rate and higher survival rate of newborn brain cells, later in life…”
Researchers explore High-Elevation Robusta as Arabica Replacement
https://tinyurl.com/yc5ev9ke
“The results of a five-year multi-location field trial in Brazil suggest that robusta grown at high elevations might be a suitable replacement for arabica, which is facing existential threats on a global scale due to climate change.
Occasional Invasive Pest Mini-Conference
Lanternfly
From CTAHR
Aloha! Everyone,
It’s my pleasure to announce another occasional mini-conference on Thursday, September 19, 2024 (9:30 – 10:30 am HST), a presentation on an invasive pest – Lanternfly, a potential threat to Hawaii: Host Range and Human-Assisted Dispersal of the Invasive Spotted Lanternfly By Tracy Leskey, USDA- ARS
Summary: Spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycoma delicatula was first introduced to the continental US in 2014 when it was detected in Eastern Pennsylvania. Since that time and despite vigorous eradication efforts, SLF has spread to at least 17 additional states. Tracy will present research results from studies aimed at identifying both wild and cultivated host plants, and from novel methods developed to estimate the potential spread of SLF via vehicle-based human-assisted transport.
Please register via Zoom link to attend this mini-conference:
https://hawaii.zoom.us/
Please share with your colleagues and collaborators. For questions, please email roshanm@hawaii.edu
Roshan Manandhar
Assistant Extension Agent (Invasive Species)
Cooperative Extension Services – Kauai County
CTAHR, University of Hawaii
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Coffee Processing Class at PCR – September 24
https://pacificcoffeeresearch.
“…this full day class involves lecture-style classroom learning paired with hands-on field experience. Students can expect to walk away with new found knowledge covering best practice coffee processing parameters as well as understanding the basics of inoculation and drying for quality coffee.”
Smaller Arabica Coffee Beans may Affect the Final Volume Harvested by Brazil
“SAO PAULO, Brazil – The Arabica coffee harvesting is close to the end; therefore, many producers have been trying to standardize the batches, due to the major bottleneck of the 2024/25 season: small-sized coffee beans. Players surveyed by Cepea say that this aspect may affect the final volume harvested by Brazil in the 2024/25 crop.
3 of 7 Climate models Suggest Possibility of La Niña by October
https://www.comunicaffe.com/
“MELBOURNE, Australia – Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the central equatorial Pacific Ocean are ENSO-neutral, following a steady cooling from El Niño levels since December 2023, reports the Bureau of Meteorology of the Australian Government in its latest update.
Farmer to Farmer on Facebook
KCFA members may ask coffee production, processing, or marketing questions by sending their questions to social@konacoffeefarmers.org. The questions will be posted on the KCFA Facebook page. Anyone can then comment on the post and provide their answers or ask follow-ups to the questions. What, you don’t follow our Facebook page?! Check it out here
Let’s all help each other!
Recipe – Cold Brew Coffee
from very long time smithfarms 100% Kona coffee customers, who live in New York
Cold brew is relatively simple but it is made to taste.
We use a gallon cold brew maker. (Amazon link )
We grind out beans to a coarse grind. We use approximately 32-38 scoops. (Tablespoons).
The coffee will go into the screen in the jug. Fill the jug with water. Make sure that the grinds are stirred after adding water. We leave it at room temperature for 24 hours to steep. Stirring the grinds occasionally over this time. Once the 24 hours pass remove the screen and let it drain.
We make a tray of coffee ice cubes and then pour our first glass with regular ice to drink for the first pour. After the first pour and after the coffee ice is poured out of the jug, –fill up the jug with water and put the jug in the refrigerator. Use the coffee cubes for the remainder of the jug.
It took us a bit of time to make this to our taste. Everyone is different.
Thank you, Dan & Kathleen, for sharing your recipe.
Recipes Wanted! If any of you have recipes that you can 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
