The Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity announced on Mar. 23 the launch of the Emergency Farmer Relief Program to assist farmers and ranchers across the state who were affected by the recent Kona Low 1 and Kona Low 2 storm systems. The program will provide a one-time grant of $1,500 to eligible farms, ranches, and businesses, with a total allocation of $500,000 from department funds.
The initiative aims to help stabilize Hawaii’s agricultural sector following severe weather events that disrupted local food production. The support comes as part of ongoing efforts to ensure food security for island residents.
Governor Josh Green said, “Our farmers are a crucial lifeline for our food security and sustainability efforts. 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.”
Applications open on March 24 with priority given to those submitted by March 27; awards will be announced during the week of March 30. Applicants must demonstrate losses due to the storms and provide proof they conduct business in Hawaii via a General Excise Tax license. Assistance is available through both online resources at https://dab.hawaii.gov/emergencyfarmerrelief/ or by phone for those with limited internet access.
Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture, said: “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. The Emergency Farmer Relief funding aims to support our agriculture industry with grant money to start recovering from the disaster or providing brief financial stability during this time.”
The Board will also consider activating an emergency agricultural loan program offering up to $100,000 at three percent interest if approved as requested.
According to its official website, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture promotes cultural resilience by supporting equity in agricultural communities while preserving traditional practices across all islands. The department manages facilities such as Waiahole Water System in Aiea; employs approximately 279 staff members statewide; functions under both agriculture promotion and biosecurity mandates tied directly to its board; works actively against harmful plants, animals or diseases threatening crops or livestock; maintains strict quarantine measures that keep Hawaii rabies-free—the only such status in any U.S. state—and collaborates with partners like University of Hawaii on sustainable farming initiatives.