Relief program to help farmers, ranchers impacted by Kona low storms

Farmers and ranchers affected by the recent storm systems can apply for a grant to address immediate needs resulting from the storm beginning today.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity has established the Emergency Farmer Relief Program with $500,000 authorized for the emergency grant program from the department’s restricted funds.

“Our farmers are a crucial lifeline for our food security and sustainability efforts,” said Gov. Josh Green. “As we work to increase our islands’ independence from offshore food imports, we must support the farmers and ranchers who supply healthy and nutritious produce and meats for our local people through grocery stores, schools and restaurants.

“This emergency funding for our agriculture communities emphasizes their essential role in our state’s food security and our commitment to aid in their recovery,” he continued.

Ranches and businesses may apply to receive a one-time grant of $1,500 with applications opening today, Tuesday, March 24. Applicants who complete and submit applications by Friday, March 27, will be prioritized for funding. Awards will be announced next week.

The program application can be found on the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s website.

Applicants must have experienced damage or losses from the storms and must provide a General Excise Tax (GET) license, proving they conduct business in the state.

Questions on the program or application should be directed to dab.efr@hawaii.gov. Applicants who have limited access to the internet can call the Governor’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency for assistance in completing the applications at 808-586-0034.

“While the full impacts from the Kona Low 1 and Kona Low 2 storms are still being assessed, we know our agricultural producers have been severely impacted by these events,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture. “The Emergency Farmer Relief funding aims to support our agriculture industry with grant money to start recovering from the disaster or provide brief financial stability during this time.”

The Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture will consider a request from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to activate the emergency agricultural loan program for damage caused by the Kona Low storms. If approved as requested, emergency loans of up to $100,000 will be available at 3% interest for qualified agricultural producers.

For more information, contact the Agricultural Loan Division at 808-973-9460 or dab.agloan@hawaii.gov.