The Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) has opened applications for the Micro-Grant for Food Security Program (MGFSP), now in its fifth year. The program is designed to support small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations, with the goal of increasing the quantity and quality of locally grown food in communities facing food insecurity. This year’s funding totals $2,235,220, approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the 2018 Farm Bill.
Individuals who are residents of Hawaii, at least 18 years old, and heads of households can apply for grants up to $5,000. Organizations registered to do business in Hawaii—including Native Hawaiian groups, nonprofits, and federally funded educational facilities—can apply for grants up to $10,000. Organizations must provide matching funds equal to at least 10% of their grant award from non-federal sources.
Applicants who have previously received MGFSP awards are not eligible this year. Individual applicants must choose one category: Gardening (Category A), Livestock and Herding (Category B), or Apiary (Category C). Organizations are required to complete a project profile template detailing their proposed activities.
The application deadline is noon on February 19, 2026. Applications for individuals can be found on the DAB Market Development Branch website at https://dab.hawaii.gov/add/mgfsp/. The Request for Proposals for organizations is posted on the State Procurement Office website at https://hands.ehawaii.gov/hands/opportunities/opportunity-details/26521.
Examples of activities eligible for funding include purchasing tools or equipment for gardening; buying animals or repairing fencing for livestock; acquiring bees and bee boxes; education initiatives; and expanding food markets. Projects funded last year included building fencing to protect crops from deer damage, purchasing seeds and tree crops, acquiring soil amendments and irrigation systems, installing garden towers and raised beds, constructing shade houses and aquaponic systems, and building poultry coops.
Questions about the application process can be directed to the Market Development Branch at 808-973-9594 or via email.
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture promotes sustainability by supporting local farmers through programs such as loans, grants, pest control services, animal quarantine measures, plant inspections, technical assistance, pesticide regulation, export facilitation, and market development initiatives. The department serves all islands with a mission focused on preserving agriculture and natural resources across Hawaii (official website). Its headquarters are located in Honolulu (official website).
Sharon Hurd serves as chairperson of the Board of Agriculture (official website). Founded in 1903 (official website), the department continues its work to advance sustainable agriculture throughout the state.
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