The low interest emergency loans offer some relief for farmers and ranchers managing their losses and assisting with the cost of fencing and other mitigation measures. The board approved the following emergency loan amounts, terms and parameters: Max loan amount: $150,000. Terms to be determined on a case by case basis as needed. Consideration will be based on historical farm performance and projected cash flow based on reasonable assumptions of revenue and expenses. Interest rate 3%. Collateral requirements may be modified or waved. For agribusiness and farmers needing loans of $50,000 or less, micro loans involving less paperwork and swifter processing are also available.

RSF supports social enterprises working to help build a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient food and agricultural system. They offer funding opportunities for ventures that are: increasing access to healthy food while regenerating health, culture, communities, and the environment; cultivating equitable local food systems; developing regenerative agricultural practices that support healthy carbon cycles; strengthening fair trade supply chains; providing equitable access to farmland; helping fight food insecurity and; contributing to more sustainable food systems across regions. Loans ranging from $200,000 to $5 million.

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers farm operating loans to family farmers and ranchers to promote, build and sustain family farms in support of a thriving agricultural economy. . Loan amounts from $300,000 (Direct) to $949,000 (Guaranteed).

American AgCredit finances all segments of agriculture and offers targeted loan programs and other specialized financing options to support the next generation of agriculture. Created to serve the credit needs of young, beginning, and small producers, YBS program provides alternate financing and guarantee options for farmers and ranchers who may not qualify under our normal lending requirements. The program also includes governmental guarantee programs such as Farmer Mac and FSA loan guarantees.

The United States Department of Agriculture has designated Maui County and Hawai‘i County as primary natural disaster areas as a result of drought, making farm operators in those counties eligible for emergency loans and other Farm Service Agency assistance. Producers can claim expenses from the date of declaration (April 8th, 2022).

USDA offers disaster assistance to farmers and livestock producers in Hawaii impacted by December 4-8 severe rain and wind.  Agricultural producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA service center to learn about the programs available to help them recover from crop, land, infrastructure, and livestock losses.  Sponsors must submit a formal request (via mail or email) to the Director for  assistance within 60 days of the natural disaster occurrence or 60 days from the date when access to the sites is possible. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) makes and guarantees loans to beginning farmers. While FSA is fully committed to all farmers and ranchers, there is a special focus on the credit needs of farmers and ranchers who are in their first 10 years of operation.  With loan amounts for Direct farm ownership: $600,000, Direct operating loan: $400,000, Microloan: $50,000 each for operating and farm ownership. For more information on this loan opportunity please contact Jason Shitanishi jason.shitanishi@usda.gov

The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy-efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing. With funding on loans of up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs, grants for up to 25 percent of total eligible project costs, and combined grant and loan guarantee funding for up to 75% of total eligible project costs.

The primary focus of this funding opportunity is to strengthen land access with additional opportunities to focus on capital access and market access for use in agriculture. Projects must focus on strengthening land access with at least one of the following related areas of concern: Capital access concerns that affect the ability to access land; Market access concerns that affect the ability to access land; or A combination of one or more of land, capital, and market access concerns. With funds starting at $250,000 to $40,000,000.

PGC in partnership with Kiva, is offering 0% interest loans up to $15,000 for entrepreneurs in Honolulu City & County working in manufacturing, food service, agriculture, and value-added goods.

Producers suffering from farm related losses directly caused by declared natural disasters, emergencies or designated quarantine areas can apply for up to $500,000 in loans. These funds can be used for restoring or replacing essential property, covering part of the production costs associated with the disaster year, refinance certain non-real estate operating debts, paying family living expenses, and reorganizing the family farming operation. The current interest rate on this loan is 2.25%

The Emergency Conservation Program provides emergency funding and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters and to implement emergency water conservation measures in periods of severe drought.

SECD promotes regional economic and community strategic planning in rural America through supporting multi-jurisdictional or multi-sectoral projects. There are a variety of SECD programs relating to community facilities, water and waste disposal, business and industry, rural business development, and broadband service. All programs are now streamlined under one application.

USDA offers help to farmers completing loan applications, environmental reviews, and other paperwork free of charge. Farmers who work with the USDA Service Center can establish their farm by registering for a farm number, which is required for USDA programs and assistance, learn how to meet conservation compliance provisions, verify eligibility for USDA programs, discuss their business and conservation goals, create a conservation plan, and fill out loan and program applications.

The Kiva Loan Program provides $1,000-$15,000 loans to small businesses. The loan has up to a 42 month term at 0% APR with a 6 month grace period for agriculture. The loan may be used for working capital or capital expenditures. If the loan is for food and agriculture, The Kohala Center's Hawaiʻi Food Producers Fund will participate up to 50% of the loan amount.

Sea Pact aims to advance sustainable fisheries and responsible aquaculture practices through funding projects in four focus areas: Sustainable Fisheries Partnership’s Target 75 Initiative, Domestic Aquaculture Advocacy, Aquaculture Education, and the responsible joint Sea Pact seafood sourcing policy. Sea Pact accepts LOI year-round.

This program helps both new and existing agricultural enterprises on Oahu and Hawaii Island by providing access to farmland and micro-loans for low-income farmers, start-up assistance including business plan, promotion and marketing assistance, and education and training on topics such as food safety and regulatory requirements. Language assistance and guidance is also available.

The EQIP Organic Initiative provides financial and technical assistance to organic producers through contracts up to ten years. Producers must have a USDA National Organic Program Organic Certificate, proof of good standing from a USDA accredited certifying agent, and sell less than $5,000 a year in organic agricultural products or are looking to transition to organic.

Feed the Hunger Fund provides 6.5%-8.5% $5,000-$250,000 loans for anyone involved in the food industry, particularly marginalized communities with sustainable businesses.

The new Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) provides payments to producers who faced increased supplemental feed costs as a result of forage losses due to qualifying drought or wildfire in the calendar year 2021 using data already submitted to FSA through the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). The ELRP payment factor will be 90 percent for beginning, limited resource, socially disadvantaged, and veteran farmers and ranchers, and 75 percent for all other producers.

Equity Trust Fund makes loans that further its mission to promote equity in the world by changing the way people think about and hold property. Within that purpose, the fund makes loans that: assist in the permanent protection of land and/or buildings for agriculture, affordable housing, community economic development, or other community needs; support the economic vitality of CSA farms or the economic success of projects protecting the affordability and use of land and/or buildings for community benefit and; directly or indirectly enable land reform and promote alternative ownership models. Loans are typically between $5,000 and $150,000 with interest rates of between 5% and 7%. Collateral is normally required.

Farm Service Agency (FSA) Farm Ownership Loans can help purchase or enlarge a farm or ranch, construct a new or improve an existing farm or ranch building, pay closing costs, and pay for soil and water conservation and protection. Loan amounts from $300,000 (Direct) to $949,000 (Guaranteed).

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture CBB-CLR Pesticide Subsidy is now open for reimbursement of products to control Coffee Leaf Rust in addition to BotaniGard/Mycotrol receipts to control CBB. The program is currently reimbursing receipts from 7/1/20 - 6/30/23. Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR) sprays must be on the HDOA-approved list. HDOA will reimburse 50% of the pre-tax cost of the pesticides. For more information visit the website, fill out an application here or Melanie Bondera at 808-323-7578 for paper applications.

Are you a producer or handler of agricultural commodities that are certified organic? Or, are you transitioning your operation to certified organic? You may be eligible for financial assistance to cover expenses paid during the fiscal year 2022 through USDA’s Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP).

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture CBB-CLR Pesticide Subsidy is now open for reimbursement of products to control Coffee Leaf Rust in addition to BotaniGard/Mycotrol receipts to control CBB. The program is currently reimbursing receipts from 7/1/20 - 6/30/23. Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR) sprays must be on the HDOA-approved list. HDOA will reimburse 50% of the pre-tax cost of the pesticides.

In partnership with the County of Kaua‘i OED Innovation Grants program, the Farmers Enhancing Equitable Distribution (FEED) Mini-Grant Program will distribute $50,000 in mini-grants to Kauaʻi farmers and ranchers. All grants are intended to increase production to fill market gaps and increase local food made available to food access programs. Food access channels include our KauaiLocalFood.com programs and other SNAP/DA BUX sites, food banks/pantries, etc. All expenses must be related to this purpose, and have identified crop(s) indicated in the grant application.  MK expects to offer between 7 to 20 grant awards in the range of $2,500 to $7,500.

HDOA provides emergency loans for farmers of up to $150,000 at 3% interest. Loans up to $100,000 will not require credit denials from other financial institutions. HDOA has waived their three-year residency requirements; both citizens and residents are able to apply. Applicants must have devoted most of their time and derive most of their net income from farming. HDOA also offers numerous other loan options, including loans for new farmers, qualified farmers, part-time farmers, food manufacturing, and aquaculture. To learn more about HDOA's loan options, click here or here.

The primary goal of this grant program for the HDOA is to support projects that could provide the highest measurable benefits or return on investment to the specialty crop segment in Hawaii. To be eligible for a grant, projects must enhance the competitiveness of Hawaii-grown specialty crops in either the domestic or foreign markets. Preference will be given to projects that measurably increase the production and/or consumption of specialty crops, and foster the development of fledging crops and organic operations for Hawaii specialty crop farmers. For this solicitation, one award of $31,315 will be made for a project that enhances the competitiveness of Hawaii limu. Projects should be completed within 24 months and before March 30, 2025.

This Center offers special issues grants up to $5,000 for time-sensitive one-year integrated pest management projects that cannot wait until the next regular grant cycle.

The CBED Program financially assists community based enterprises through providing low cost loans of $25,000 to agricultural producers, manufacturers using agricultural products, and value added agricultural product businesses. For more information, call Wayne Tom at (808) 587-2772, Kevin Yokoyama at (808) 323-7591 (Kona) or Gareth Mendonsa at (808) 933-9977 (Hilo).

The Maui Chamber of Commerce provides 0% interest emergency and working capital loans of $7,500-$25,000 to businesses in Maui County with 10 or fewer employees during the pandemic. The goal of the program is to serve as many small, economically disadvantaged businesses. In addition to loan funding, recipients will also gain access to business development resources, auxiliary programs and mentorship.

This program focuses on developing the next generation of research, education, and extension professionals in the food and agricultural sciences. EWD invites applications in five areas: professional development for agricultural literacy; training of undergraduate students in research and extension; fellowships for predoctoral candidates; fellowships for postdoctoral scholars, and a brand-new program for agricultural workforce training. Deadlines vary for each program area; please refer to the RFA for more details.

This program provides tuition assistance for courses through a list of approved vendors. Employers can apply to this fund on behalf of their employees in order to participate. The goal is to enhance workers’ skill sets for improved job performance and increased chances for future promotions and pay.

This program assists rural small businesses and agricultural producers by conducting and promoting energy audits and providing renewable energy technical and site assistance.  Applications are accepted year round.

The Pacific Gateway Center’s Social Enterprise Program provides technical, social, and monetary support to entrepreneurs that create jobs for vulnerable populations and revitalize the community.

This program can provide direct access to capital such as facilities, equipment, and funding for businesses looking to expand their operations. The program also provides one-on-one coaching for business needs with special classes for taxes, legal issues, marketing and more. It also provides access to childcare, transportation assistance, and language access support. If interested, email sep@pacificgatewaycenter.org.

The Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) Grassroots Fund offers peer-review certification to farmers and beekeepers producing food for their local communities by working in harmony with nature, without relying on synthetic chemicals or GMOs. This fund waives the minimum $150 dues for CNG certification.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, increased soil health and reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, improved or created wildlife habitats, and mitigation against increasing weather volatility.

Previously known as Hawaii Farm Credit, American AgCredit is a privately-run, agriculture lending company. They provide a variety of loans for land, equipment, construction, leasing, crop insurance, and more from $10,000-$20M.

ERP provides assistance to producers for losses to crops, trees, bushes, and vines due to wildfires, hurricanes, floods, Derechos, excessive heat, winter storms, freeze (including a polar vortex), smoke exposure, excessive moisture, qualifying drought, and related conditions occurring in calendar years 2020 and 2021. ERP assistance will be provided in two phases. With funds up to $900,000 for each program year for specialty crops; and $250,000 for each program year for all other crops.

Using funding from the American Rescue Plan Act’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, the City and County of Honolulu is developing a new $3 million agricultural grant program for farmers, ranchers, and growers on Oʻahu. The first phase of this program will award $1 million each year in 2022, 2023, and 2024 to agricultural producers based in Oahu, in business since March 2020, and fully compliant with IRS, DLIR, DCCA, DOTAX. Funds up to $50,000.

The National Organic Initiative, funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), is a voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. NRCS can help organic producers improve their operations or help producers transition to organic using a conservation plan tailored to their needs.

The Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL) provides low-interest financing so producers can build or upgrade facilities to store commodities. Eligible commodities include grains, oilseeds, peanuts, pulse crops, hay, honey, renewable biomass commodities, fruits and vegetables, floriculture, hops, maple sap, milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, and eggs, meat/poultry (unprocessed), rye and aquaculture.FSFL is an excellent financing program for on-farm storage and handling for small and mid-sized farms, and for new farmers. Loan terms vary from 3 to 12 years. The maximum loan amount for storage facilities is $500,000. The maximum loan amount for storage and handling trucks is $100,000. In 2016 FSA introduced a new loan category, the microloan, for loans with an aggregate balance up to $50,000.

Are you a producer or handler of agricultural commodities that are certified organic? Or, are you transitioning your operation to certified organic? You may be eligible for financial assistance to cover expenses paid during fiscal year 2022 through USDA’s Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP). This program is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative

O‘ahu RC&D assists farmers located in the Ki‘iki‘i and Paukauila Watershed Areas in developing conservation plans and implementing practices that improve water quality by reducing total nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment. This will be achieved by developing conservation plans, working with farmers to install Best Management Practices (BMPs), and cost-share assistance. Farmers who join this project may be eligible to receive cost-share assistance to install conservation practices that assist in limiting soil erosion, reducing runoff and addressing other natural resource concerns on their land.

Did your specialty crop operation recently incur on-farm food safety program expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification in calendar years 2022 or 2023? You may be eligible for financial assistance through USDA’s Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program (FSCSC)

The Fertilizer Product Expansion Program (FPEP) provides grants to help eligible applicants increase or otherwise expand the manufacturing and processing of fertilizer and nutrient alternatives and their availability in the United States. Eligibility: Operate within the U.S. or its territories;  Manufacture or process or plan to manufacture or process in accordance with all Federal, State, Tribal, and local regulations governing fertilizer and nutrient alternatives, processing, storage, distribution, and waste management; Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and must maintain annual SAM registration while an application is active and through the term of an award.

This program guarantees loans of up to $40 million for qualified lenders to finance food systems projects, specifically for the start-up or expansion of activities in the middle of the food supply chain. The program will support new investments in infrastructure for food aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transportation, wholesaling, and distribution to increase capacity and create a more resilient, diverse, and secure U.S. food supply chain.

The goal of this program is to reestablish valuable land cover to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion, and reduce the loss of wildlife habitat. Farmers receive an annal rental payment in exchange for removing environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and instead planting species that improve the environmental health and quality. Contracts for the Conservation Program are 10-15 years long. All interested producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center for more information.

This fund provides grassroots organizations with up to $5,000 grants for projects that ensure that the most vulnerable communities can stay safe. Examples of eligible projects include participatory mutual aid projects serving vulnerable communities through means such as food justice.

Kahiau Rural Business Development Microloan Program offers technical assistance and $2,000-$15,000 2% interest loans for businesses to help them develop and build a network. Businesses must have a Native Hawaiian or kama`āina owner/operator and be located on Hawaii Island or Molokai.

Farm Service Agency has a wide range of loan programs including: 

•Direct Operating Loans 

•Direct Farm Ownership Loans 

•Minority and Women Farmers and Rachers 

•Emergency Loans 

•Microloans 

To discover which USDA farm loans or microloans you are eligible for here, access the farm loan discovery tool here.

Aqua-Spark is an investment fund that supports sustainable small-to-medium aquaculture businesses around the world to provide safe, accessible aquatic life that does not harm the ocean. With investments starting at $250,000, Aqua-Spark looks to be a minority investor in businesses with elements of economic sustainability, environmental sustainability, and social sustainability.

The Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL) provides low-interest financing so producers can build or upgrade facilities to store eligible commodities including on-farm storage and handling for small and mid-sized farms, and for new farmers. Loan terms vary from 3 to 12 years. The maximum loan amount for storage facilities is $500,000. The maximum loan amount for storage and handling trucks is $100,000.  Microloans are available up to $50,000.

This program provides support to immigrant, refugee and socially disadvantaged farmers by helping them navigate through regulatory requirements, access farmland, micro-loans, and other forms of capital, connect with commercial farms and restaurants, provide marketing support services, and learn business management and operations.

The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. The ultimate recipients repay the lending utility directly. The utility then is responsible for repayment to USDA.

Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) is available to eligible agricultural producers in Hawaii. It provides financial and technical assistance to voluntarily address issues such as water management, water quality, and erosion control by incorporating conservation into farming operations.