#Department of Agriculture
Hawai‘i Land Trust, Island Harvest permanently protect 28 acres of Kohala farmland
The agricultural conservation easement ensures that 28 acres of land will continue to grow food for Hawai‘i’s people and remain available for future generations of farmers.
Promoting mental health for Hawaiʻi farmers wins award from the community
Due to high rates of stress, depression and suicide among farmers, Seeds of Wellbeing was developed in fall 2021.
In first, Hawaiʻi delegation goes to Washington for USDA support
The delegation included state legislators, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, Hawai‘i Cattlemen’s Council, Hawai‘i Crop Improvement Association, Hawai‘i Floriculture and Nursery Association, and Synergistic Hawai‘i Agricultural Council, farmers, ranchers and advocates.
State restricts imports of cattle from areas with avian influenza cases
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently considers the effect on human health as low risk even in areas on the mainland where HPAI infections in animals have occurred.
Someone planted non-native coral at Kaua‘i beach; state relies on community to report fishy goings-on
Members of Reef Guardians – an ocean conservation nonprofit based on Kaua‘i and in Santa Barbara, California – first uncovered the strange coral in 2021.
Conservation groups: State must regulate intra-island sale of infested plants, products
Little fire ants, coconut rhinoceros beetles and more could wreak havoc in the Hawaiian Islands.
USDA pilot program to help people in rural American Samoa repair homes damaged by future natural disasters
The homes must be located in eligible rural areas and presidentially declared disaster areas in states selected to participate in the pilot, which includes American Samoa.
Biden-Harris Administration creates grants for rural business, agriculture in Hawai‘i, Western Pacific
The USDA is making $21 million in technical assistance grants available through the Rural Energy for America Program to help prospective applicants access the program.
Micro-grant program for small-scale agriculture in Hawai‘i opens
A total of $2 million is available for this year’s program which was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the 2018 Farm Bill.
Native Hawaiian farmers meet with Schatz to discuss Farm Bill priorities
The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, commonly known as the Farm Bill, modifies several Department of Agriculture programs.
Act 90 land-transfer partnership continues between state agencies
In the 20 years since its enactment, more than 250 leases, revocable permits, and vacant parcels representing more than 38,000 acres of crop and pasture lands have been transferred to the Department of Agriculture and the Agribusiness Development Corporation.
Little fire ants invading Kaua‘i; Big Island already knows their destruction
Little fire ants are native to Central and South America, but have colonized the globe. Kaua‘i is now grappling with several back-to-back infestations.
Grants Available for Small-Scale Farmers
The Hawai`i Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the second year of the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program, MGFSP, which provides support for small-scale gardening, herding and livestock operations to help produce food in areas that are food insecure.
Department of Agriculture Accepting Applications for Micro-Grants
The Micro-Grants for Food Security Program provides support for small-scale gardening, herding and livestock operations.
Snake Run Over in Hilo in Good Condition
A three-foot snake was turned over to the Department of Agriculture after is was run over in Hilo Thursday night.
Obama Appointee Stepping Down from Post
Chris Kanazawa will step down from his position as state director for US Department of Agriculture Rural Development at the end of 2016.
National Parks Launch Second Year of Keiki Park Pass
Every Kid in the Park allows fourth graders access to most federally managed lands and waters, including national parks, forests, wildlife refuges…
DOA to Open New Plant Facility
The Hawai’i Department of Agriculture’s Hilo Plant Quarantine Office is moving locations.
DOA Releases State Agricultural Land Use Study
Maps and graphics throughout the 100-page report depict the locations of 15 crop categories with island-by-island numbers and regional descriptions of some of the factors that drive ongoing agricultural activity around the state.
Emergency Quarantine Measure Taken Against Ohia Wilt
An emergency quarantine measure has been set in place to combat the fight against Ohia Wilt on the Big Island.
