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Opportunities
USDA FSA Emergency Conservation Assistance for May 22 earthquake in Hawaiʻi County
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting applications via the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to restore Hawaiʻi County farmland affected by the May 22 earthquake to pre-disaster conditions. Approved ECP applicants can receive up to 75% of the cost of the approved restoration activity with a maximum cost share of $500,000 per natural disaster event. Approved ECP practices include removing debris from farmland; grading, shaping and releveling; replacing or repairing permanent fences; and restoring conservation structures. Contact a local FSA office for more information. Apply by July 17.
Apply for the Hawaiʻi GroupGAP program
Hawaiʻi GroupGAP is a statewide program providing affordable food safety training and certification support through a USDA approved GroupGAP model. Training and certification support in the Harmonized GAP and Harmonized GAP Plus standards is available to fruit and vegetable producers and post harvest aggregators. For more information and to apply, visit North Shore EVP’s website.
Free fruit trees for Hawaiʻi producers
Thanks to a grant from the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers is giving out thousands of free fruit trees. 7,000 orange and tangelo trees and 5,000 banana trees are available in lots of 50. Contact Ken Love, Executive Director of Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers at ken@mycoffee.net.
Pay It Forward Microgrants now accepting applications
Women-owned small businesses on Hawaiʻi Island are invited to apply for the Zonta Club of Hilo’s Pay It Forward Microgrant Program, offering grants of up to $2,000 to help start or expand a business. Applications are open through July 5, 2026, with awardees encouraged to “pay it forward” by supporting future entrepreneurs when they are able. Learn more, download the application materials, and apply online through the Zonta Club of Hilo Pay It Forward Microgrant website.
$18 million available through Hawaiʻi-Grown Partnership for Agriculture
The Hawaiʻi-Grown Partnership for Agriculture (HiGPA) is offering $18.5 million in funding to help Hawaiʻi farmers, ranchers, and forest managers implement conservation practices, strengthen their operations, and expand market opportunities through the USDA Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) initiative. Applications are now open for producers who successfully completed the programʻs pre-screen eligibility process, with the first full application round due July 31, 2026. Learn more about eligibility, funding opportunities, and how to apply here.
USDA NRCS accepting applications for Conservation Innovation Grants
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). Grants are available in two parts: one focuses on early-stage development and piloting of new tools, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands, and the other focuses on more widespread adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches. Apply by July 27.
USDA FSA Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is providing $1.625 billion through a one-time bridge payment for specialty crops to help address market disruptions, elevated input costs, persistent inflation, and market losses from foreign competitors engaging in unfair trade practices that impede exports. To be eligible, producers must have reported their eligible acres to FSA for the 2025 crop year. Producers may receive up to $250,000. Learn more and apply online by August 7.
USDA RD Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program – Phase 4
USDA Rural Development (RD) is accepting applications for the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) – Phase 4. This program provides grants to help eligible meat and poultry processors expand their capacity. MPPEP Phase 4 supports the American beef industry by diversifying the meat and poultry supply chain and opening local market opportunities. The applicant’s facility must primarily process cattle to be eligible; however, funds or equipment may be used for processing meat and poultry. Awards up to $2 million are available. Learn more and apply online by August 7.
Deadline extended: USDA FSA Emergency Conservation Assistance for Kona Low storm damage
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting applications across Hawaiʻi for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from the Kona Low Storms that occurred March 10–March 24. ECP provides cost-share and technical assistance to producers to restore farmland to pre-disaster conditions. Approved ECP applicants can receive up to 75% of the cost of the approved restoration activity with a maximum cost share of $500,000 per natural disaster event. Approved ECP practices include removing debris from farmland; grading, shaping and releveling; replacing or repairing permanent fences; and restoring conservation structures. Contact a local FSA office for more information. The deadline for signup has been extended to July 31.
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