Coffee farmers in Kona are challenging the labeling laws for their products. The Kona Coffee Farmers Associationhas sent out a petition to support Hawaii County resolution 501-14. Advocates want the minimum percentage of Kona coffee changed to 51%. Currently, blended coffee must have a minimum of 10% of beans sourced locally to carry the “Kona” name. But farmers say the filler added to their coffee is often much lower in quality and taste which cheapens their product. Mary-Lou Moss is the owner of Cuppa Kona Coffee. She calls it a case of consumer fraud.
The petition can be viewed here.