University of Hawaii at Manoa Receives $8 Million in Federal Funding to Boost Coffee, Cacao Production – CoffeeTalk

The University of Hawaii at Manoa has received $8 million in federal funding to enhance global coffee and cacao production, in collaboration with Clemson University. This initiative aims to work with small farmers in Hawaii and beyond, including those in the mainland U.S., Latin America, Africa, and Asia, to develop crops resilient to drought and disease. Senator Brian Schatz emphasized the significance of this funding for local farmers, noting its potential to combat threats such as invasive pests, ultimately boosting the production of Hawaii’s renowned coffee and chocolate.

Hawaii uniquely produces coffee and cacao among U.S. states, and the demand for chocolate is substantial, with the average American consuming up to eight pounds annually. This sector generates $28.4 billion in sales and contributes to 700,000 jobs within the U.S. economy. William Murray, President and CEO of the National Coffee Association, highlighted that this investment is crucial for securing sustainable supplies of coffee, which is enjoyed daily by two-thirds of American adults, supports over 2.2 million jobs, and significantly contributes to the economy, totaling more than $343 billion each year.

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