Critical Coffee Plant Research Initiative in Congress

Posted on May 18th, 2023

CPHIAA Amendment to reach Congress later this year.

CPHIAA Amendment to reach Congress later this year.

The Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act (CPHIAA) is a bill proposed in Congress by Representative Jill Tokuda of Hawaii. The purpose of this bill is to support the research of crop diseases such as Coffee Leaf Rust (Roya) and Coffee Berry Borer (CBB).

Cafe Imports views this proposed addition to the 2023 Farm Bill as critical for helping disadvantaged farmers. Research leads to important developments in disease-resistant hybrids and best practices for managing and avoiding diseases that threaten coffee. US Government investment would benefit coffee producers not only in Hawaii and Puerto Rico, but around the world as well.

Our very own Andrew Miller was recently quoted in an article by the Global Coffee Report, saying:

“If Universities in wealthier countries can develop solutions, those can be shared with [financially-disadvantaged] farmers in the rest of the world. This bill is extremely important. That’s why I, and some of my clients wrote to our representatives about it. We’re pleased to be a part of this project.”

The article also mentions that the dairy industry along with US sugar producers support the CPHIAA, stating, “…when coffee does well and grows, so do the folks who supply and sell milk and sweeteners”. The initiative must pass both houses of Congress prior to making its way to the President’s desk.

We encourage all of our customers to reach out to their congressional representatives to advocate for the bill and the future of specialty coffee.

Read the article by Global Coffee Report in its entirety on pages 18-21.