HDOA Coffee Berry Borer (CBB) - Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR) Pesticide Subsidy

Grant
Federal
/Statewide
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Apply
USDA, Market Access Program

Grant
Federal
Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
The MAP is designed to encourage the development, maintenance, or expansion of commercial export markets for United States agricultural commodities and products through cost–share assistance. All U.S. agricultural commodities, except tobacco, are eligible for consideration. Applicants must be Nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organization, Nonprofit state regional trade group, U.S. agricultural cooperative or State government agency.
Deadline
05/20/22
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish Program

Grant
Federal
/ Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
This program provides financial assistance to eligible producers for losses due to disease, certain adverse weather events, or loss conditions. In 2021 USDA updated ELAP policy to help cover the cost of transporting feed for livestock that rely on grazing in areas affected by drought.
Deadline
1/31/22
Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program

Grant
Federal
/ Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide pandemic assistance to cover certification and education expenses to agricultural producers who are certified organic or transitioning to organic.
Deadline
2/4/22
Pacific Gateway Center Micro-lending Program

Loan
Private
/ State
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Open
FSA Emergency Loans

Loan
Federal
/ Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
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%
Deadline
TBD
Hawaii People’s Fund

Grant
Private
/ Statewide
Grant/Loan 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.
Deadline
Unclear
Maui Micro Business Loan Program

Loan
Local
/ Maui
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Until funds are depleted
Rural Development Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) Funding

Grant/Loan
Federal
/ Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Varies
Environmental Quality Incentives Program

Grant
Federal
/ Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Year Round
Feed the Hunger Fund

Loan
Private
/ Statewide
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Year Round
Pacific Gateway Center’s Agriculture for Human Trafficking Survivors

Grant
Private
/ Oahu, Hawaii
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Year Round
Farm Storage Facility Loan Program

Loan
Federal
/ Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Year Round
Aqua-Spark Aquaculture Investors

Loan
Private
/ Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Year Round
Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program

Grant
Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
The primary goal of this program is to help beginning farmers and ranchers in the United States and its territories enter and/or improve their successes in farming, ranching, and management of nonindustrial private forest lands. It does so by funding support for projects that provide education, mentoring, and technical assistance to give beginning farmers and ranchers the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to make informed decisions for their operations and enhance their sustainability.
Deadline
05/19/2022
Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program

Grant
Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
Through the LFS program, USDA will award up to $200 million to states for food assistance purchases of domestic local foods for distribution to schools. This program will strengthen the food system for schools by helping to build a fair, competitive, and resilient local food chain, and expand local and regional markets with an emphasis on purchasing from historically underserved producers and processors. Only state governments can apply.
Deadline
06/17/2022
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Education and Workforce Development

Grant
Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Education and Workforce Development (EWD) focuses on developing the next generation of research, education, and extension professionals in the food and agricultural sciences.
Deadline
10/27/2022
Disaster Assistance from December 4th-8th Wind and Rain

Grant
Federal
/ Hawaii
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
60 days from disaster
Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program

Loan
Federal
/ Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Open
Conservation Reserve Program

Grant
Federal
/ Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
TBD
Hawaii County Community-Based Economic Development Program

Loan
Local
/ Hawaii
Grant/Loan Information
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).
Deadline
Unclear
FSA Loan Programs

Loan
Federal
/ Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Varies
Certified Naturally Grown Grassroots Fund

Grant
Private
/ Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Year Round
EQIP Organic Initiative

Grant
Federal
/ Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Year Round
Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Program

Loan
Federal
/ Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Year Round
Pacific Gateway Center’s Social Enterprise Program

Grant
Private
/ Oahu, Hawaii
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Year Round
Rural Energy for America Program Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance

Grant
Federal
/ Nationwiwde
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Year Round
Employment Training Fund

Grant
State
/ Statewide
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Year Round
USDA Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops

Grant
Federal
Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
The Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program (TASC) is designed to assist U.S. organizations by providing funding for projects that seek to remove, resolve, or mitigate existing or potential sanitary, phytosanitary, or technical barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. specialty crops. Any U.S. organization, government or private, with a demonstrated role or interest in exporting U.S. agricultural specialty crops may apply to the program. Government organizations consist of Federal, State, and local agencies. Private organizations may include non–profit trade associations, universities, agricultural cooperatives, state regional trade groups, and private companies.
Deadline
05/20/22
Economic Injury Disaster Loan

Grant
Federal
/ Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
Eligible companies can receive up to $15,000 that doesn’t need to be repaid. Businesses must be in low-income communities, have no more than 300 employees, and have been significantly affected by the pandemic.
Deadline
1/31/22
Hawaii County Emergency Drought Loans

Loan
Federal
/ Hawaii Island
Grant/Loan Information
The U.S. Department of Agriculture secretary has declared Hawai‘i County a natural disaster area, allowing the FSA to issue emergency loans to help producers meet various recovery needs, including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or the refinance of certain debts.
Deadline
2/25/21
HDOA Emergency Loan for Farmers

Loan
State
/ Statewide
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
No deadline
Western IPM Center Special Issues Grant

Grant
Private
/ Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Rolling Basis
Emergency Conservation Program

Grant
Federal
/ Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Unclear
Kahiau Rural Business Development Microloan Program

Loan
Private
/ Hawaii
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Until funds are depleted
NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative- Education and Workforce Development

Grant
Federal
/ Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Varies
American AgCredit

Loan
Private
/ Statewide
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Year Round
Agricultural Management Assistance Program

Grant
Federal
/ Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Year Round
Pacific Gateway Center’s Job Creation through Agriculture Program

Grant
Private
/ Oahu, Hawaii
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Year Round
Sea Pact

Grant
Private
/ Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Year Round
Kiva Loan Program

Loan
Private
/ Statewide
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Year Round
USDA Service Centers Provide Free, One-on-One Help for Farmers

Federal
/ Nationwide
Grant/Loan Information
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.
Deadline
Year Round