Maui County Farmers and Ranchers Urged to Apply for Available $2.5 Million in CARES Act Funding

Maui farmers and ranchers can apply for federal funding during COVID-19 pandemic. Courtesy photo.

Mayor Michael Victorino is urging Maui County farmers and ranchers to apply for reimbursements of expenses for losses related to COVID-19 and for food sustainability.

There is $2.5 million available in CARES Act funding for Maui County farmers and ranchers.

Mayor Victorino said this program provides “an urgent lifeline to help them with reimbursement of their expenses. I would like to thank the Maui Chamber of Commerce for partnering with the County of Maui to help sustain our agricultural community through these difficult times.”

Program details:

Farmers and ranchers can apply for reimbursement on allowable expenses up to $25,000 for those who meet program qualifications.

Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, until funds are exhausted.

Applications will be reviewed once completed applications are received.

Assistance is available for farming and ranching expenses from April 1 through Nov. 20, 2020.

Allowable expenses include:

• Farmland mortgage and rent
• Farmland utilities – water/electricity
• Seeds and plants
• Fertilizer, pesticide, mulch and compost
• Equipment, vehicle repairs and maintenance (if farm operations were impacted due to lack of sales and they were not able to pay for these items)
• Irrigation repairs
• Planting supplies, tables and containers
• Fuel
• Packaging
• Feed for livestock

For more information, please visit the Maui Chamber of Commerce website at mauichamber.com or call the Chamber office at (808) 244-0081.