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.

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.

Provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses due to drought or fire on land that is native or improved pastureland with permanent vegetative cover or that is planted specifically for grazing. Maui County is taking applications until January 2024.

OCCSP provides cost-share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products who are obtaining or renewing their certification under the National Organic Program (NOP). Certified operations may receive up to 50 percent of their certification costs paid during the program year, not to exceed $500 per certification.

Reimbursement for livestock losses in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather.

Cost share is available for damaged and destroyed fencing, crop irrigation pipeline and livestock pipeline and troughs. Other practices may apply. Eligibility: For land to qualify for ECP funds, the damage from the natural disaster or severe drought must create new conservation problems that if not dealt with would: Further damage the land; Significantly affect the land’s productive capacity; Represent damage from a natural disaster unusual for the area (an exception to this is damage from wind erosion); Be too costly to repair without Federal assistance in order to return the land to agricultural production.

The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United (HFUU.org) has launched the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) in Hawaiʻi, collaborating with organizations like the University of Hawaiʻi and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) to support farmers interested in transitioning to certified organic operations. The program offers resources, mentoring, and guidance through the certification process, helping farmers source approved inputs, and it will expand to other islands after starting on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi. They are also seeking experienced mentors to support participants during the transition process. If you are interested, please contact Christian Zuckerman, Project Coordinator at OrganicTransitions@hfuu.org.

The HFFI Food Access and Retail Expansion Fund (HFFI FARE Fund) is a new program under the expanded America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative. Over the next 5 years, the new program will provide $60 million in loans, grants, and technical assistance for the predevelopment, planning, and implementation of eligible food retail and food retail supply chain projects. Stakeholders interested in receiving notification of the RFA release or applying to the HFFI FARE Fund can submit an Interest Form to share contact information and preliminary details about their project. The information collected through this form will be used to notify interested stakeholders when HFFI funding becomes available and to gauge the general needs of projects.

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.

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.

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.

This grant helps landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect, restore, and enhance wetlands or protect working farms and ranches through conservation easements. For direct contact Nathan.Key@usda.gov for questions on wetland easement applications or Elizabeth.Palmer@usda.gov for farm and ranchland easement applications.

Slow Money Hawaii strives to make borrowing easier by helping people who produce food to get acquainted with others who are concerned about the quality and availability of locally grown food and want to support their efforts. If you'd like to be considered for a Slow Money loan, scroll down and fill out the form below.  We will contact you for additional information. We're looking for food producers who are buying locally grown ingredients and growers using sustainable and regenerative practices. Presently, Slow Money Hawaii is facilitating two kinds of loans:  1) person-to-person lending using promissory notes, and;  2) Kiva loans ($15,000 or less) or a combination of the two.  To learn about partnering with Slow Money Hawaii on a Kiva loan, click here:  Kiva Loans ​For more information, email us at: info@slowmoneyhawaii.com

Are you a Native Hawaiian farmer looking for financial assistance? Get help to qualify for rental and mortgage loans. Access loans up to $100,000 for home-buying costs. Qualify for up to $11,500 in grant funds for a home purchase. Learn about grants for the first month’s rent/deposit up to $4,000. Hawaiian Community assists mission is to build the capacity of low- and moderate-income communities to achieve and sustain economic self-sufficiency with a particular focus on Native Hawaiians. They operate Financial Opportunity Centers throughout the State of Hawai‘i, providing financial counseling, income supports, and employment and entrepreneurship coaching to low- and moderate-income households and communities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Provides emergency assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish for losses due to disease (including cattle tick fever), adverse weather, or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires, not covered by LFP and LIP.

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.

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.

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 Hawaii Cattlemen's Councilʻs 501c3, the Hawaiʻi Rangeland Stewardship Foundation is aiding affected ranchers by mobilizing donations to go towards feed for animals as well as helping to supply beef donations to help feed the community. Funds support affected ranchers, livestock feed, distributing beef to families, and agricultural restoration. If you are an affected rancher, reach out to HRSF at  808-333-6755.

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.

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).

Did your Hawaiʻi Island farm receive wind damage during storms in December 2022? FSA is currently reviewing damage reports and would like to hear from you. While there is no program open now to sign up for due to wind damage, there is a potential for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to open for signup if the FSA County Committee(COC) requests it. Please reach out to the Hawaiʻi Country FSA office directly. Phone: 808-933-8342 or email County Executive Director: keisan.tamura@usda.gov

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. 

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.

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.

The Diesel Replacement Rebate (DRR) program provides rebates for the replacement of medium- and heavy-duty diesel vehicles with new, battery-electric equivalents. Presented by the Hawai‘i State Energy Office in partnership with the Hawai‘i Department of Health, the DRR is funded by the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust, and the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act. Required Paperwork: Vendor Quote: Applicants will be required to submit a vendor quote for the vehicle (and charger, if applicable). The quote(s) should be dated and include a complete breakdown of all material costs as applicable: vehicle, hardware, warranty costs, freight or shipping costs, installation costs, setup fees, and the sales tax with the percentage rate indicated. Project Details Excel File: Applicants must submit a Project Details excel file at the time of application. This can be filled out in excel and uploaded with the application. Download a template by clicking here. Build America, Buy America Compliance Letter: BABA required documents, if applicable. If you are having an issue uploading documents, please email the documents to Sage.A.Lang@Hawaii.gov after submitting your application. For the application, please click here. The DRR provides rebates, of up to 45%, toward the purchase of a new zero-emission vehicle to replace an existing diesel vehicle. Upon receiving the new vehicle, participants are required to scrap the existing vehicle. Projects can include the purchase of one (1) charging unit per vehicle. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received. Projects will be selected in accordance with the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) and DRR program requirements and funding availability.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Producers in Maui County are eligible to apply for the 2023 Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). This program pertains to commercial livestock that is being grazed on pasture land. LFP provides compensation if you suffer grazing losses for covered livestock due to drought on privately owned or cash-leased land. County committees can only accept LFP applications after notification is received by the National Office for qualifying drought.  You must complete a CCC-853 and the required supporting documentation no later than January 30, 2024, for 2023 losses.

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.

Provides payments to eligible owners of nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) land in order to carry out emergency measures to restore land damaged by a natural disaster. Could be used for debris removal of land otherwise ineligible for ECP. It’s another funding source. Will verify if the declarations would be Stafford Act funded which would make this much simpler implementation process and easier. No necessary to replant to be eligible for EFRP debris removal, though ECP would be more streamlined.

The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is launching an emergency agricultural loan program for Maui and Hawai‘i Island farmers affected by recent wildfires and high winds. Impacted operations can contact HDOA's Agricultural Loan Program at (808) 973-9458 or hdoa.agloan@hawaii.gov to learn more and initiate low-interest emergency loan applications. Documentation including loss estimates and photos is required. For agribusinesses seeking loans up to $50,000, streamlined micro-loans with quicker processing are an option.

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).

The Bricmont Hardship Assistance Fund has a long history of granting to organic producers recovering from natural disasters like drought, wildfires, floods, unforeseeable life events, and other difficulties that can be challenging to any business. Grant amounts range between $1,000 to $20,000. Requirements: Be a certified organic operation with a valid organic certificate from any third-party USDA-accredited certifier (CDFA registration alone is not sufficient). Submit a complete and detailed description of hardship endured within the last 12 months. Submit supporting financial documentation of economic loss (examples: Profit and Loss Statements from current and previous years, tax documentation such as Schedule F, etc.). Submit a final progress report one year after grant is awarded (for grant recipients only). Applying organic business must be in the United States. Grant funds cannot be used for organic certification fees. First-time applicants and underserved producers will be prioritized.

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.

Rodale Institute offers a micro-grant program specifically targeted to support projects and consulting for small-scale BIPOC* farmers, whether you’re organic, transitioning to organic, or an aspiring organic farmer. With funds up to $2,000.

The NACD Soil Health Champions Network is made up of more than 300 farmers, ranchers, woodland owners, and land managers from across the nation who practice good soil health management in their operations and promote the use of soil health management systems in their communities. Soil Health Champions play an integral role in the national movement to improve and conserve America’s soils and other natural resources. Stipends offered for travel to annual meetings up to $1500.

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

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 Farm & Food Worker Relief (FFWR) Program is a program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides eligible workers a $600 relief payment for expenses they incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligibility: Workers that are eligible for relief payments are those in frontline farming activities, grocery stores, or meatpacking who incurred expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

OHA Malama Loan Mahiai Business Loan is a financial program that provides funding to support agricultural businesses in Hawaii. It aims to assist farmers and ranchers in expanding their operations, improving infrastructure, and increasing production to promote sustainable agriculture in the region. With funds starting at $2,500 – $100,000 (Loan amounts over $50,000 require non-real estate collateral).

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 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).

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.