Maui County Small Farmers Can Apply for Grants Up to $25,000

The Agricultural Micro Grant Program 2.0 – which offers up to $25,000 in grants to Maui County small farmers – is now accepting applications.

The $1.5 million Maui County-funded program is open to operating farms on less than 12 acres possessing a county business or state general excise license as of July 1, 2021, with preference given to women and Native Hawaiian farmers. The program is administered by Maui Economic Opportunity.

The grants may be used to directly impact the availability of locally-grown produce, livestock and poultry and other related products. Grant money can be used for:

• Farming equipment and machinery
• Processing and storage equipment
• Farm infrastructure, expansion and upgrades
• Inventory and supplies
• Packaging and packaging materials
• Technology equipment

The deadline to submit applications is Dec. 14, 2021.

The following documentation is required:

• Completed application
• Farm needs statement
• Copy of original General Excise Tax License, G-45 or G-49
• Photo ID
• 2020 State Tax Return Form N-11 (proof of residency).

Farmers may apply on the MEO website at https://www.meoinc.org/agricultural-micro-grant-program/ or in-person at MEO’s Wailuku office, 99 Mahalani St.

For more information, contact the MEO Business Development Center by phone at 808-249-2990 or by email at bdcinfo@meoinc.org.

A similar agriculture microgrant program, funded by Maui County and operated by MEO’s BDC in fall 2020 into spring 2021, funded more than 100 small farmers.