Kauai Coffee secures future of historic farm with new lease
KAUAI (HawaiiNewsNow) – After months of uncertainty, Kauai Coffee Company has secured a 15-year agreement to keep the historic 3,100-acre farm in Kalaheo.
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The company announced the new agricultural lease between landowner Brue Baukol Capital Partners and Kauai Coffee’s parent company, Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA (MZB-USA), on Thursday.
Kauai Coffee said the new lease allows for continuing operations, keeping all local employees employed and maintaining non-GMO and Rainforest Alliance certifications.
It also guarantees continuation of the Fair Trade Community Development program, along with upcoming hiring initiatives focusing on vital skilled trades to support the farm’s modernization, the company said.
“Kauai Coffee has always belonged to the people of Kauai, and that will never change,” said Kauai Coffee general manager Brian Kubicki. “We are proud to say that our roots remain exactly where they belong, our team is entirely secure, and we are actively looking forward to bringing even more job opportunities to our local community as we grow.”
Brue Baukol Capital Partners said the lease also provides flexibility to evaluate additional agricultural opportunities on portions of the property that are not currently under cultivation.
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“Kauai Coffee Company and its employees have been exceptional stewards of these lands for the past 15 years, and we are grateful for the care, dedication, and commitment they have shown, especially throughout the past several months as we worked toward a new agreement,” James Priestley, vice president of Brue Baukol Capital Partners, said in a statement. “This agreement preserves local jobs, keeps these lands in productive agricultural use, and creates new opportunities to explore additional agricultural activities and community benefits in the years ahead.”
In January, Kauai Coffee filed a notice with the state, warning about 140 employees that they could be laid off.
With a new lease in place, the company is planning a community appreciation event to thank employees, residents and customers for their support.
“Our appreciation for the overwhelming outpouring of support and aloha from our community can’t be overstated,” Kubicki said.
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