The Kona Coffee Farmers Association (KCFA) is set to host its second annual coffee symposium at 8 a.m. on March 1. The event will encompass discussions on various aspects of coffee cultivation, featuring multiple guest speakers.
According to a press release by the KCFA, the 2024 KCFA Coffee Symposium and Annual General Meeting will offer insights into subjects such as soil health and coffee quality. The keynote address will be delivered by José Tulio González, a distinguished coffee producer with an extensive family history in the industry. Currently serving as the president of the board of directors of the National Coffee Association of Guatemala, González's expertise spans agronomic management, control of Coffee Leaf Rust, different varieties of coffee and coffee quality.
The symposium will also feature talks by other experts in the field. Miguel Meza will share his knowledge on coffee quality; Dexter Kishida will discuss the state of agriculture in Hawaii; a panel on soil health led by leading agronomists; and a roundtable discussion titled "Improving the Future of our Coffee." In addition to these presentations, attendees can look forward to a trade show, a general meeting of KCFA and board elections.
The event is scheduled to take place at the Outrigger Kona Resort. While it is free for members of the KCFA, guests are required to pay an entry fee of $75.
As stated on its website, KCFA is an organization comprised primarily of small-scale coffee farmers. Established in 2006, its mission is to promote and protect Kona's coffee-growing community and ensure that Kona coffee reaches its full potential while addressing issues faced by independent coffee farmers.