The deadline to apply for the Agricultural Micro Grant Program 5.0, which offers up to $25,000 in grants to Maui County small farmers and ranchers, is fast approaching.

Applications for the $2 million Maui County-funded program is Tuesday, Feb. 25. The program is administered by Maui Economic Opportunity’s Business Development Center.

As of Thursday, Feb. 20, BDC had received 127 applications for the popular grant, open to select startup and operating farms on less than 12 acres and livestock ranches up to 40 acres.

The farms and ranches must possess a county business or state general excise license as of July 1, 2024. Preference will be given to woman- and Native Hawaiian-run operations.

The grants may be used to directly impact the availability of locally-grown produce, livestock and poultry and other related products. Grant money may 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 following documentation is required:
- Completed application.
- Farm needs statement.
- Copy of original General Excise Tax License or filed form G-45 or G-49.
- Photo ID.
- 2023 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.

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