The Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture (Board) has voted to activate an emergency agricultural loan program to assist Maui and Hawai‘i Island farmers and ranchers who have suffered damage from the recent high winds and wildfires. The decision comes in response to the Emergency Proclamation issued by then-Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke on Aug. 8, 2023, which allows the Board to activate the emergency program.
Emergency Loan Parameters
The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Loan Program will administer the program, and the parameters for the emergency loans are as follows:
- Maximum loan amount: $350,000
- Interest rate: 3 percent
- Terms of the loans: To be determined on a case-by-case basis, considering historical farm performance and projected cash flow
- Requirement for credit denials: Waived
- Three-year residency requirement: Waived
- Collateral requirements: May be modified or waived on a case-by-case basis
- Application deadline: February 29, 2024
Application Process
Impacted agricultural operations interested in applying should contact the Agricultural Loan Program on O‘ahu at (808) 973-9458. Applicants must provide estimates of losses and document the damage with photos.
Available Funds and Micro-Loans
“Our Agricultural Loan Division has $5 million in funds available for emergency loan programs,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Board. “We continue to work with our federal, state, county, and industry partners in surveying the damage and determining the recovery needs of farms and ranches impacted by this disaster.”
For agribusinesses needing loans of $50,000 or less, micro-loans involving less paperwork and swifter processing are also available.
Conclusion
Activating the emergency agricultural loan program by the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture is a timely response to support the local farming and ranching community affected by natural disasters. The program’s flexible terms and streamlined application process aim to provide immediate financial assistance to those in need, ensuring the continued resilience and sustainability of Hawai‘i’s agricultural sector.
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Note: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial or investment advice.
Photo by Lisha Riabinina on Unsplash
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