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Applications for agricultural grant program available

Katie Romanchuk of Ohialani Gardens in Haiku drives a new Kubota backhoe that was purchased with a Maui County micro agricultural grant, administered by Maui Economic Opportunity. The program has begun accepting applications for a new round of farm grants. MEO photo

The Maui News

A $1.5 million Maui County-funded program is accepting grant applications from farms operating on 12 acres or fewer.

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.

Applicants must possess a county business or state general excise license as of July 1, 2021.

Preference will be given to women and Native Hawaiians.

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.

Certain documentation is required to apply, including the completed application, farm needs statement, a copy of original general excise tax license (G-45 or G-49), a photo ID and the 2020 state tax return form N-11 as proof of residency.

Farmers can apply on the MEO website at www.meoinc.org/agricultural-micro-grant-program/ or in-person at MEO’s Wailuku office located on 99 Mahalani Street.

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

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

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