The Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity announced on Apr. 1 the awarding of the first 333 Emergency Farmer Relief grants, with recipients given 48 hours to claim their grant and submit required paperwork.
The program aims to help farmers and ranchers affected by recent storms known as Kona Low 1 and Kona Low 2. With over 1,600 eligible applications received, the department is seeking additional funding for priority applicants. The application period remains open until Friday, April 3, and officials discourage multiple submissions from individuals who have already applied as it may affect their prioritization. Further distribution of grants will depend on available funds.
Each grant provides a one-time payment of $1,500 to address immediate needs resulting from storm impacts on farms, ranches, or agricultural businesses. More information about the application process is available on the department’s website at https://dab.hawaii.gov/emergencyfarmerrelief/.
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture promotes cultural resilience by supporting equity in agricultural communities and preserving traditional practices according to the official website. The department also manages facilities such as the Waiahole Water System in Aiea according to its official website.
Functioning as a state government entity tied to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity according to its official website, it employs 279 staff members across Hawaii according to its official website. The department works to promote and protect agriculture and aquaculture industries while blocking harmful plants, animals, and diseases according to its official website. It maintains strict animal quarantine measures that preserve Hawaii’s unique rabies-free status in the United States according to its official website.
Additionally, the department collaborates with organizations like the University of Hawaii for agricultural development initiatives. It supports sustainable farming practices across all islands while providing resources for disease eradication efforts and traditional farming support according to its official website.