MEDIA RELEASE

Staff from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the state Department of Agriculture (HDOA) have been conducting systematic surveys of coffee farms across the state to determine the extent of the Coffee Berry Borer (CBB) infestation.

This survey information is critical to determine the best methods of prevention, eradication and control of CBB in infested and non-infested areas.

As of Sept. 27, CBB has only been confirmed in the Kona area between Kainaliu and Opihihali.

Survey data as of Sept. 27:

Total number of farms surveyed statewide — 35
Number surveyed on Hawaii Island — 23
Number positive for CBB in the Kona area — 8
Number surveyed on Oahu (no positives) — 3
Number surveyed on Maui (no positives) — 6
Number surveyed on Kauai (no positives) — 1
Number surveyed on Molokai (no positives) —1
Number surveyed on Lanai (no positives) — 1

The data in the table above only reflects the number of farms that have been officially surveyed, sampled and examined by USDA and HDOA.

Many Hawaii coffee growers are cooperating by sending coffee bean samples from their farms to HDOA. The samples submitted by growers help USDA and HDOA in prioritizing areas where official surveys should be conducted. Samples sent in by growers are not included in the table above.

Coffee grower sample submission form: here

September Pest Advisory: here