“Organic” was once a hot, trendy word on the marketplace, but now has become much more commonplace as consumers have demanded a natural approach to the crops that are grown to make the food in their bellies and the clothes on their backs.
But what happens if legitimate fear of crop-decimating pest and disease makes it so that even organically grown crops must undergo a fumigation? This is the case with coffee in Hawaii.
For those who have traveled to the Hawaiian islands, or are returning residents, each time you fly, you are asked to fill out an Agricultural form. This act is not typical when traveling within the United States. However, Hawaii is unique and many of the pests and diseases existing across the globe have been blocked from entering Hawaii thus far. These forms, fumigation, and other measures are Hawaii's attempt to rid our farms of things such as coffee rust and coffee bore beetles.
Unfortunately, Hawaii does not grow or produce anywhere near enough to supply the residents and tourists and we are actually forced to import more than 90% of what is consumed. IF we were able to produce all that we needed, we could theoretically produce entirely pesticide-free, BUT that’s not the case. SO what do we do to supply the people and protect the islands? sadly we must fumigate the crop imports that could pose a threat, such as coffee.
For this reason, coffee not grown and roasted in Hawaii can never be organic and the only way to ensure it is organic is to buy local Hawaiian coffee that’s organically grown and roasted on island (super rare and very expensive) OR; to buy fully imported coffee that is neither grown nor roasted in Hawaii. SIGH. To put another nail in the coffin, because of the pests and diseases that already exist here such as the beetles, rodents, rust, etc. most farmers growing local coffee STILL choose to use pesticides in order to protect their crop from potentially spoiling. DOUBLE SIGN.
In conclusion:
If you live on one of the Hawaiian islands, whenever you can grow your own food, do it and buy locally and organic (the farms are probably not certified due to the expense and process, so ask them about their farming practices). Support farm hubs such as Farm Link.
If you are visiting Hawaii, when you can find it, buy fully locally grown and roasted coffee. If you can't find locally grown and roasted coffee that’s fully organic, then buy from a small batch local roaster like us . Small scale, local roasters take pride in understanding the growing and roasting process and want to provide the best possible product to our customers!
Mahalo!