$2.5M in Assistance for Farmers and Ranchers

County of Maui News Release

Mayor Michael Victorino is urging Maui County farmers and ranchers to apply for reimbursements of expenses for losses related to COVID-19 and for food sustainability.

“This program has $2.5 million in CARES Act funding to provide Maui County farmers and ranchers with an urgent lifeline to help them with reimbursement of their expenses,” Mayor Victorino said. “I would like to thank the Maui Chamber of Commerce for partnering with the County of Maui to help sustain our agricultural community through these difficult times.”

Farmers and ranchers can apply reimbursement on allowable expenses of up to $25,000 for those who meet program qualifications. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, until funds are exhausted. Applications will be reviewed once completed applications are received. Assistance is available for farming and ranching expenses from April 1 through Nov. 20 of this year.

Allowable expenses include farmland mortgage and rent, farmland utilities – water/electricity; seeds, plants, fertilizer, pesticide, mulch or compost; equipment and vehicle repairs and maintenance (if farm operations were impacted due to lack of sales and they were not able to pay for these items); irrigation repairs; planting supplies, tables or containers; fuel; packaging; or feed for livestock.

For more information, please visit the Maui Chamber of Commerce website at mauichamber.com or call the Chamber office at (808) 244-0081.