The U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing $2.6 million in funding to improve Hawai‘i's local food system. This funding will support 17 projects across the islands as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Resilient Food System Infrastructure program. The goal is to strengthen key areas of the food supply chain, including processing, storage, distribution, and wholesaling, to make the system more efficient and resilient, according to the Department of Agriculture.
The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture has confirmed four infrastructure and 13 equipment grants to support middle-of-the-supply chain operations. These grants aim to boost local agriculture and ensure the sustainability of its produce. "This RFSI initiative offers Hawai‘i a unique opportunity to strengthen processing capacity across our island state, while adding value to locally grown products," said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture. The funding is expected to enhance market opportunities, create jobs, and generate new revenue streams for both rural and urban agri-businesses, as reported by the Department of Agriculture.
Ahualoa Family Farms on Hawai‘i Island received the largest U.S. Department of Agriculture grant of $498,141. Other big grants include $478,167 for Kumano I Ke Ala o Makaweli of Kaua‘i and $311,899 for Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Producers Cooperative. Farm Link Hawai‘i on O‘ahu got $296,224. These grants are part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's $420 million program to support local food producers. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure webpage, as stated by the Department of Agriculture.
