Coffee farmers in Hawai‘i are rallying for lawmakers to reinstate a subsidy aimed at combating two destructive pests affecting their crops. The coffee leaf rust (CLR) and the coffee berry borer (CBB) have significantly impacted coffee yields since their arrival in the state. Farmers are struggling with the high costs of pest management, as effective treatments can be prohibitively expensive. Currently, the most effective pesticide for CLR costs around $750 for just two gallons, which is only sufficient for 15 trees and lasts only 45 days. The CBB requires constant care and maintenance to control, making it challenging for small farmers.
• A proposed House Bill 2119 aims to reinstate subsidy programs that previously helped farmers with pesticide costs.
• Farmers could be reimbursed for up to 75% of approved pesticide purchases, with limits on total annual reimbursements.
• The bill has received unanimous support from the House Committee on Agriculture, though some farmers suggest increasing the funding allocation.
This initiative is crucial for the sustainability of Hawai‘i's coffee industry. It encourages small farmers to engage in pest management, which is essential for regional pest control. The success of this bill could mean the difference between survival and decline for many coffee growers in the state.
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