Coffee farmers unite to change blend law

Coffee farmers unite to change blend law

Thank you, Hawaii Tribune-Herald reporter John Burnett and Sen. Russell Ruderman for highlighting Hawaii government’s weak support of farmers.

In particular, Ruderman notes that the Department of Agrculture supports 10% coffee blends that tarnish the good name of Hawaii’s coffees while defrauding consumers, who believe they are tasting real Hawaii coffee. Even expert cuppers cannot detect 10% Hawaii coffee in blends with 90% foreign beans.

Kona coffee farmers have fought for years to change the 10% blend law. This year, coffee farmers across the state are united behind a 51% blend law.

Hawaii grows worldclass coffees that deserve state protection from the fraudulent use of our good names. Hawaii should support coffee and other local agricultural products, just as many other states support their premium agricultural products.

Please support the 51% blend law with messages and calls to your legislators. Together, we can finally protect a Hawaii heritage crop.

Sandra Scarr

Kona