February 09, 2023

Rep. Tokuda Leads Hawaiʻi Delegation on Bipartisan Bill with Rep. González-Colón & Rep. Graves to Protect and Strengthen Coffee Plant Industry

(Washington, DC) – Today, Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) introduced her inaugural bipartisan bill as a Member of Congress, co-led by Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón (P.R.), Rep. Ed Case (HI-01), Rep. Garret Graves (LA-06), Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI), and Sen. Brian Schatz (HI).

The bipartisan Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act would broaden current language included in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) high priority initiatives in support of the coffee plant industry by improving the tools available for domestic coffee growers to fight pests, diseases, and expand critical research.

“Coffee is an everyday staple for millions across the country, and an iconic product of Hawaiʻi’s agricultural industry. A significant contribution to our economy, the 2021-2022 season produced an estimated $61.9 million in production value from Hawaiʻi farms, and the coffee industry employs thousands of residents,” said Rep. Jill Tokuda. “Our farmers are facing an uphill battle in fighting invasive pests, diseases, drought, and changing weather patterns. They urgently need and deserve our full support and access to resources to make sure that the coffee industry thrives well into the future.” 

“Coffee is one of the most treasured agriculture commodities in Puerto Rico. This bill seeks to protect this crop from emerging threats, including coffee leaf rust, coffee berry borer, among others, and promote greater collaboration with USDA through expanded research and development of science-based tools and treatments. I am proud to be co-leading this legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, alongside Representatives Tokuda, Case and Garret Graves, and I look forward to working together to get it across the finish line,” said Rep. González-Colón

“Coffee, an iconic crop cultivated in Hawai’i for two centuries, faces a myriad of challenges, including the rising cost of production, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, drought, and the COVID-19 pandemic, but foremost now is coffee leaf rust,” said Congressman Ed Case.  “This alignment of threats has caused an estimated 50 percent coffee crop reduction throughout the state.  I continue to work with my Congressional colleagues to maximize federal research and assistance funding for Hawaii’s specialty crops like coffee and macadamia nut, and this legislation is one more needed tool to ensure the survival and prosperity of our agricultural industry.”

“Hawaii is known around the world for our coffee. Investing in coffee-specific research and combatting current and emerging threats to coffee plant health—including things like Coffee Leaf Rust—is critical to Hawaii’s ability to continue providing high-quality coffee products. This legislation will help producers keep their coffee plants healthy and build our understanding of how best to protect this important industry. I will continue to advocate for Hawaii’s unique agricultural and nutrition needs as we begin the process of forming a new Farm Bill,” said Senator Hirono.

“Hawai‘i coffee is like none other on the planet. It’s a distinct local crop that supports local jobs and is a big part of Hawai‘i’s agriculture economy,” said Senator Schatz. “We must support our local farmers and help them stay competitive, and that begins with science-based management.”

The Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act would expand USDA research and extension grants for the following:

  • Developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat plant pests and noxious weeds that impact coffee plants;
  • Establishing an areawide integrated pest management program in areas affected by, or areas at risk of being affected by, plant pest or noxious weeds that impact coffee plants;
  • Surveying and collecting data on coffee plant production and health;
  • Investigating coffee plant biology, immunology, ecology, genomics, and bioinformatics; and;
  • Conducting research on:
    • Factors that may contribute to or be associated with coffee plant immune;
    • Other serious threats to coffee plants, including the sublethal effects of insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides on insects and plants beneficial to coffee plant growth; and;
    • The development of mitigating and preventative measures to improve habitat conservation and best management practices in coffee-growing regions.

Coffee is the most consumed beverage in our country. Studies conducted by the National Coffee Association show that the total economic impact of this industry was close to $225.5 million in 2015, with consumers spending $74.2 billion in coffee. Additionally, coffee generates over 1.6 million jobs and nearly $28 billion in tax revenue.

As the U.S. coffee industry faces emerging threats from coffee tree pests, such as the coffee leaf rust, coffee berry borer, coffee leaf miner, and coffee wilt, it is critical that Congress improve the tools available for domestic coffee growers and support this critical industry.

###