Applications for the popular Agricultural Micro Grant Program 4.0 – which offers up to $25,000 in grants to Maui County small farmers and ranchers – will be available beginning Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023.

The $3 million Maui County-funded program, administered by Maui Economic Opportunity’s Business Development Center, is open to operating farms on less than 12 acres and livestock ranches up to 40 acres possessing a county business or state general excise license as of July 1, 2023. Preference will be given to women and Native Hawaiians.

Grants may be used to directly impact the availability of locally-grown produce, livestock and poultry and other related products. Funds can be used for:
- Farming equipment and machinery.
- Processing and storage equipment.
- Farm infrastructure, expansion and upgrades.
- Inventory and supplies.
- Packaging and materials.
- Technology equipment.

The deadline to submit applications is Nov. 30, 2023.

The following documentation is required:
- Completed application.
- Farm Needs Statement.
- Copy of an original general excise tax license or filed form G-45 or G-49 2022.
- Photo ID.
- 2022 state tax 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.

Two in-person informational grant workshops will be conducted on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at MEO Family Center Wailuku, and Wednesday, Oct. 11 at the Hannibal Tavares Community Center Pukalani. Both gatherings begin at 5 p.m. Grant application and award information will be presented to help farmers and ranchers understand the process and the documents required.

The 2022-23 Agriculture Micro-Grant program, funded by Maui County and operated by MEO’s BDC, funded more than 118 small farmers.