Applications for the popular Agricultural Micro Grant Program 5.0 – which offers up to $25,000 in grants to Maui County small farmers and ranchers – will be available starting Jan. 9, 2025.

The $2 million Maui County-funded program, administered by Maui Economic Opportunity’s Business Development Center, is 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 deadline to submit applications is Feb. 25, 2025.

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.

Grant applications and award information will be presented to help farmers and ranchers understand the process and the necessary documents required for the grant application.

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The last agriculture micro grant program assisted 118 small farmers in Maui County.

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About Maui Economic Opportunity
Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc., is a nonprofit agency that’s part of the national Community Action Partnership network, whose goal is to help low income individuals and families and disenfranchised people help themselves and transform their lives. Chartered in 1965, MEO offers more than 40 programs that assist low income people, kupuna, youths, persons with disabilities, immigrants and other disenfranchised individuals.  MEO runs the Human Services transportation program and the Maui Bus paratransit system and Head Start preschools, as well as programs that offer kupuna socialization and information; rent, mortgage and utility assistance; Spanish interpretation and translation; entrepreneurial and financial basics; inmate reintegration into the community after release; and youth anti-drinking, -bullying and -suicide prevention.  For more information about the entire array of programs, visit meoinc.org or call (808) 249-2990.