S&P 500—Dow—NASDAQ—Russell 2000—FTSE 100—DAX—CAC 40—Nikkei—Hang Seng—ASX 200—ALEX—ALK—BOH—CPF—CYAN—FHB—HE—MATX—MLP—NVDA—AAPL—GOOGL—GOOG—MSFT—AMZN—META—AVGO—TSLA—BRK.B—WMT—LLY—JPM—V—XOM—JNJ—MA—MU—COST—BAC—ORCL—ABBV—HD—PG—CVX—NFLX—KO—AMD—GE—CAT—PEP—MRK—ADBE—DIS—UNH—CSCO—INTC—CRM—PM—MCD—ACN—TMO—NEE—BMY—DHR—HON—RTX—UPS—TXN—LIN—QCOM—AMGN—SPGI—INTU—COP—LOW—AMAT—BKNG—AXP—DE—LMT—MDT—CB—ADP—GILD—MDLZ—SYK—BLK—C—ADI—REGN—SBUX—NOW—CI—VRTX—ZTS—MMC—PLD—SO—DUK—CMCSA—APD—BSX—BDX—EOG—ICE—ISRG—SLB—LRCX—PGR—USB—SCHW—ELV—ITW—KLAC—WM—EQIX—ETN—TGT—MO—HCA—APTV—BTC—ETH—XRP—USDT—SOL—BNB—USDC—DOGE—ADA—STETH—S&P 500—Dow—NASDAQ—Russell 2000—FTSE 100—DAX—CAC 40—Nikkei—Hang Seng—ASX 200—ALEX—ALK—BOH—CPF—CYAN—FHB—HE—MATX—MLP—NVDA—AAPL—GOOGL—GOOG—MSFT—AMZN—META—AVGO—TSLA—BRK.B—WMT—LLY—JPM—V—XOM—JNJ—MA—MU—COST—BAC—ORCL—ABBV—HD—PG—CVX—NFLX—KO—AMD—GE—CAT—PEP—MRK—ADBE—DIS—UNH—CSCO—INTC—CRM—PM—MCD—ACN—TMO—NEE—BMY—DHR—HON—RTX—UPS—TXN—LIN—QCOM—AMGN—SPGI—INTU—COP—LOW—AMAT—BKNG—AXP—DE—LMT—MDT—CB—ADP—GILD—MDLZ—SYK—BLK—C—ADI—REGN—SBUX—NOW—CI—VRTX—ZTS—MMC—PLD—SO—DUK—CMCSA—APD—BSX—BDX—EOG—ICE—ISRG—SLB—LRCX—PGR—USB—SCHW—ELV—ITW—KLAC—WM—EQIX—ETN—TGT—MO—HCA—APTV—BTC—ETH—XRP—USDT—SOL—BNB—USDC—DOGE—ADA—STETH—

Coffee Berry Borer Expansion Threatens 10-30% Crop Loss on Lānaʻi and Kauaʻi

·3 min read·👀 Watch

Executive Summary

The coffee berry borer (CBB) infestation has officially spread to Lānaʻi and Kauaʻi, putting coffee farmers on these islands at immediate risk of significant crop damage. Agriculture producers must implement enhanced pest management protocols within the next 60 days to mitigate potential yield reductions of 10-30%.

  • Agriculture & Food Producers: Facing 10-30% potential crop loss, increased pest control costs, and a need to revise harvesting and processing plans.
  • Tourism Operators: Potential for reduced availability of locally sourced coffee products in affected areas.
  • Investors: Increased risk profile for coffee farm investments on Lānaʻi and Kauaʻi.
  • Action: Implement enhanced CBB monitoring and control measures on affected farms within 60 days.

Watch & Prepare

High Priority

Further spread could decimate crops, impacting future harvests and business viability if pest control measures are not implemented promptly.

Monitor coffee plants daily for CBB signs. Enhance farm sanitation by promptly removing and destroying fallen or infested cherries.

Who's Affected
Agriculture & Food Producers
Ripple Effects
  • →Increased pest control costs and potential crop losses for Lānaʻi and Kauaʻi coffee farmers → reduced farm incomes → decreased demand for local agricultural inputs.
  • →Long-term reduction in high-quality coffee production from affected islands → impact on local brand reputation → market share shift towards imported coffee.
Vibrant close-up of ripe coffee berries on branches, ideal for agriculture images.
Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh

Coffee Berry Borer Expansion Threatens 10-30% Crop Loss on Lānaʻi and Kauaʻi

Executive Brief

The coffee berry borer (CBB) infestation has officially spread to Lānaʻi and Kauaʻi, putting coffee farmers on these islands at immediate risk of significant crop damage. Agriculture producers must implement enhanced pest management protocols within the next 60 days to mitigate potential yield reductions of 10-30%.

  • Agriculture & Food Producers: Facing 10-30% potential crop loss, increased pest control costs, and a need to revise harvesting and processing plans.
  • Tourism Operators: Potential for reduced availability of locally sourced coffee products in affected areas.
  • Investors: Increased risk profile for coffee farm investments on Lānaʻi and Kauaʻi.
  • Action: Implement enhanced CBB monitoring and control measures on affected farms within 60 days.

The Change

The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has officially designated Lānaʻi and Kauaʻi as areas infested with the coffee berry borer (CBB), Hypothenemus hampei. This announcement expands the existing quarantine zones and signals a critical new phase in managing this invasive pest across the Hawaiian Islands. While CBB has been present on Hawaiʻi Island and Maui for some time, its confirmed presence on Lānaʻi and Kauaʻi, which have historically been free of the pest, marks a significant escalation. Immediate action is required by coffee producers on these newly affected islands to prevent widespread crop degradation.

Who's Affected

Agriculture & Food Producers Coffee farmers on Lānaʻi and Kauaʻi are now directly exposed to the damaging effects of the CBB. This pest bores into coffee cherries, damaging the beans and potentially rendering them unusable for high-quality coffee production. Unmitigated infestations can lead to substantial yield losses, estimated to range from 10% to as high as 30% or more in severe cases. This not only impacts revenue for the current harvest but also affects the viability of future crops if pest populations are not controlled. Farmers will face increased operational costs due to the need for more intensive pest monitoring, sampling, and the application of control methods, which may include biological controls, sanitation, and, in some cases, approved insecticides. The processing of affected beans may also require additional labor and sorting to remove damaged product, further impacting margins.

Tourism Operators While not directly farming, tourism operators, particularly those reliant on local coffee sourcing for their establishments (cafes, restaurants, hotels), may experience reduced availability or increased cost of specialty coffee beans from Lānaʻi and Kauaʻi. This could affect unique selling propositions and guest experiences that highlight local products.

Investors Investors with holdings or interests in coffee farms on Lānaʻi and Kauaʻi should re-evaluate their risk assessments. The spread of CBB introduces a significant operational and financial risk that could impact the profitability and long-term value of these agricultural assets.

Second-Order Effects

The expansion of CBB to new islands creates a ripple effect through Hawaii's sensitive agricultural economy. Increased pest control costs and potential crop losses for Lānaʻi and Kauaʻi coffee farmers can lead to reduced farm incomes. This, in turn, could decrease demand for local agricultural inputs and services. If CBB control is not effective, a long-term reduction in high-quality coffee production from these islands could also impact local brand reputation and potentially shift consumer preference and market share towards imported coffee, impacting the broader food supply chain and agricultural diversification goals.

What to Do

Agriculture & Food Producers on Lānaʻi and Kauaʻi:

  • Immediate Monitoring: Begin rigorous daily monitoring of coffee plants for signs of CBB infestation. Focus on detecting adult beetles, egg-laying sites, and larval damage within the coffee cherries.
  • Enhance Sanitation: Implement strict farm sanitation practices, including the prompt removal and destruction (e.g., by burning or burying) of fallen cherries and infested cherries, as these serve as breeding grounds for the pest.
  • Explore Control Methods: Consult with the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) and the University of Hawaiʻi's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) for the latest recommendations on integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. This may include the use of beneficial insects like the];

More from us

Related Articles

Explore the vibrant underwater world of Hawaii with this captivating image of a sea turtle gracefully swimming among coral reefs.
Sustainability & Resources

Hawaii's Coral Reef Insurance Renewed, Bolstering Sustainability and Tourism

·3 min read
Colorful ripe and unripe coffee cherries on a branch, showcasing the vibrant beauty of coffee plants.
Sustainability & Resources

Kona Coffee Supply Chain at Risk: Water Shortages Threaten Harvests and Revenues

·8 min read
A serene rural scene of brown and white cows grazing in the lush green hills of Waimea, Hawaii.
Sustainability & Resources

North Shore Crop Losses Trigger Immediate Food Supply Chain Disruptions and Price Hikes Statewide

·10 min read