MAUI, Hawaii (KHON2) — Applications for the Agricultural Micro Grant Program 5.0 will be open to small farmers and ranchers in Maui County starting Jan. 9.
The $2 million Maui County-funded program will be open to select startup and operating farms smaller than 12 acres and livestock ranches up to 40 acres. Recipients may be awarded up to $25,000.
The farms and ranches must also possess a county business or state general excise license as of July 1, 2024. The grant will also give preference to woman and Kanaka-run operations.
The grant money may be used to increase the availability of locally-grown produce and other related products. Maui County says the money can be put toward machinery, storage, technology and more.
There will also be an in person informational grant workshop on Jan. 15 at 5 p.m. at MEO Family Center in Wailuku.
Farmers may apply on the Maui Economic Opportunity website or in person at MEO’s Wailuku office at 99 Mahalani St.
For more information, contact the MEO Business Development Center at (808) 249-2990 or by email at bdcinfo@meoinc.org.