Hawaii Launched Coffee Pest Reimbursement Program

The state has introduced a new funding initiative to help coffee farmers manage Coffee Berry Borer and Coffee Leaf Rust.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Coffee

Bold vector editorial illustration of red coffee cherries on a green branch against dark volcanic soil, representing Hawaii's coffee industry. — The Hawaii Department of Agriculture has launched a new reimbursement program to assist coffee farmers in managing destructive Coffee Berry Borer and Leaf Rust pests. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should state governments provide financial assistance to local farmers to help combat agricultural pests?

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity has opened a reimbursement program to support local coffee farmers struggling with invasive pests. Eligible participants can receive funding to offset costs for necessary mitigation products.

Why it matters

Coffee farmers in Hawaii are facing significant threats from persistent pests and diseases that jeopardize harvest yields. This financial relief aims to alleviate the burden of rising maintenance costs while protecting the state's signature coffee industry.

The program covers 75% of pre-tax costs for pest control, with a cap of 600 dollars per acre on up to 10 acres. Farmers may claim up to 6,000 dollars for each specific pest, totaling a maximum of 12,000 dollars per producer.

The players

Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity

This state agency is responsible for overseeing the agricultural health and regulatory policies of Hawaii.

The details

To qualify for funding, farmers must purchase approved products for Coffee Berry Borer and Coffee Leaf Rust management between July 2024 and June 2026. Applicants are required to submit separate documentation for each eligible coverage period via an online portal.

July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, marks the first eligible period for product purchases.
July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, marks the second eligible period for product purchases.
October 1, 2026, was the date the application process opened for farmers.

Roadmap

This program represents a targeted expansion of state-led efforts to bolster agricultural resilience against persistent invasive species. It follows a pattern set by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture's existing Coffee Berry Borer suppression programs by formalizing direct cost-sharing for producers.

Coffee farmers in Hawaii can now access financial aid to lower the cost of purchasing essential disease management supplies. Eligible producers should prepare their purchase records to meet the specific requirements of the online application portal.

The takeaway

Producers should act quickly to compile documentation for the eligible purchase periods to ensure they receive maximum reimbursement benefits. Keeping detailed receipts for all pest control products is essential for meeting state audit requirements.