USDA awards grants to 17 Hawai‘i projects, including 1 on Kaua’i, to support food system infrastructure

A federal program aimed at strengthening middle-of-the-supply chain operations and local food systems by supporting processing, manufacturing, storing, wholesaling and distribution of agricultural products announced Wednesday that it is awarding nearly $3 million to 17 Hawai‘i projects.

One of those projects is on Kaua‘i.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will grant $2.6 million to 17 Hawai‘i companies and organizations through its Resilient Food System Infrastructure program, including $478,167 to Kumano I Ke Ala o Makaweli on the Garden Isle.

The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture will receive the funds, which will be used for the four infrastructure grants and 13 equipment grants awarded in support of middle-of-the-supply-chain infrastructure.

“This [Resilient Food System Infrastructure] 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. “Through this grant program, agricultural businesses in both rural and urban areas will receive support to scale up their new and existing products, open up market opportunities, create jobs and generate new revenue streams.”

Kumano I Ke Ala o Makaweli, a Native Hawaiian-led nonprofit, will use the grant funding to implement the West Kauaʻi ʻOihana Mahi ʻAi Kalo (Taro Farming Industry) Revitalization Project.

The project aims to revitalize the food system in West Kauaʻi by increasing kalo production and enhancing the capacity to manufacture and distribute the traditional Hawaiian staple of poi, as well as process raw lūʻau leaf produced in the region.

To achieve these goals, the project will purchase equipment to modernize and automate poi manufacturing; develop streamlined manufacturing, tracking and delivery systems; and acquire wash and pack equipment and cold storage for raw lūʻau leaf processing.

Additionally, refrigerated delivery vans will be procured to distribute the kalo products.

Kumano I Ke Ala o Makaweli says the initiative will significantly boost local agricultural capacity and support the region’s economic and cultural sustainability.

The other Resilient Food System Infrastructure program awardees and their grant amounts are:

• Ahualoa Family Farms, Hawai‘i Island: $498,141.
• Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Producers Cooperative, Hawai‘i Island: $311,899.
• Tea Hawai‘i & Company, Hawai‘i Island: $100,000.
• Kawamata Farms, Hawai‘i Island: $100,000.
• Purdyco dba Island Princess, statewide: $97,434.96.
• Maui Breadfruit Co., Maui: $77,896.
• NH Properties dba Haiku Organic Farm, Maui: $59,058.43.
• JYY, Maui: $48,135.63.
• Farm Link Hawaiʻi, O‘ahu: $296,224.
• Punahele Provisions, PBC, O‘ahu: $100,000.
• Kupu Place Aquaponics, O‘ahu: $93.970.
• OCR dba Small Kine Farm, O‘ahu: $91,339.
• Alternate Structures International dba Kahumana Food Hub, O‘ahu: $83,795.38.
• Ahiki Acres, O‘ahu: $67,409.
• Kamiya Gold, O‘ahu: $40,866.
• Hawaiian Chip Co., O‘ahu: $36,376.

The funding is part of $420 million available through the Resilient Food System Infrastructure grant program provided by President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan.

For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure website. The status of each state and territory’s program is available on the program’s state grant site.