Back-to-back storms batter Hawaii coffee farms during critical harvest season

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii coffee farmers are struggling with the toll of repeated storms hitting the islands right in the middle of their peak harvest season.

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According to the Hawaii Coffee Association, the repeated rounds of severe weather stripped ripening coffee cherries off branches and uprooted entire trees. The trees take three to five years to grow and produce fruit, impacting more than just one season.

Coffee growers have also dealt with power outages and high operating expenses sapping revenue for producers.

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“When farmers don’t have the opportunity to recover, take a breath for a minute, they don’t have the chance to fully recover between events,” said Abigaile Munoz, executive director of the Hawaii Coffee Association. “Like, at what point do they not just say, hey, I’ve had enough, right?”

The Hawaii Coffee Association said the best way to support Hawaii growers is to buy directly from local farms and roasters.

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