Emergency Farmer Relief Program

The Emergency Farmer Relief Program is a disaster recovery initiative established by the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) to support farmers and ranchers impacted by the Kona Low 1 and Kona Low 2 storm systems. Recognizing the critical role of agriculture in ensuring the state’s food security and resilience, this grant program seeks to deliver immediate financial support to agricultural producers suffering from storm-related damages. The program was officially announced on March 23, 2026, with the intent to provide rapid assistance to sustain local agricultural operations affected by the adverse weather events. Administered by the DAB, this program offers a one-time grant award of $1,500.00 to qualifying farms, ranches, and agricultural businesses. The funds are sourced from DAB’s restricted funds, with a total allocation of $500,000 authorized for disbursement. Eligible applicants must demonstrate direct storm-related impacts and provide a valid General Excise Tax (GET) license as proof of active business operations in the state. The grant is specifically designed to meet immediate operational needs and provide interim financial relief during the recovery phase. Applications opened on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Applicants who submit their completed applications by Friday, March 27, 2026 will be prioritized for consideration. The program is not rolling and has a defined deadline, ensuring that funds are quickly directed toward those in urgent need. Award announcements are scheduled for the week of March 30, 2026. The program website provides direct access to the application form and additional guidance, and a dedicated email address is available for applicant inquiries. Applications will be evaluated based on a standardized scoring methodology that considers the extent of agricultural impact and the applicant's immediate needs. Farm census data will also be factored into funding determinations. The review and award process is designed for expediency and fairness, with efforts focused on rapidly deploying aid to the most critically affected producers across the state. Applicants requiring assistance with online access or application submission can reach out to the Governor’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency by phone. Additionally, inquiries can be sent directly to the DAB Emergency Farmer Relief team via email. While the emergency grant provides essential short-term support, the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture is also evaluating a separate request to activate an emergency agricultural loan program that could provide more substantial funding for long-term recovery. The Emergency Farmer Relief Program reflects the State of Hawai‘i’s ongoing commitment to supporting its agriculture sector in times of crisis. By providing immediate, no-match-required financial assistance, the program aims to ensure that Hawaii’s farmers and ranchers can recover swiftly and continue to serve the essential role of supplying local food to communities throughout the islands.