Hawaiʻi agricultural producers affected by the March 10-24 kona low storms are urged to contact their local Farm Service Agency office to apply for the Emergency Conservation Program.
Deadline to apply is July 31.
Producers and farmers from all four counties are encouraged to contact Farm Service Agency even if they previously received information about other recovery programs.
“We understand that recovery has placed a real burden on Hawaiʻi’s farmers and ranchers and we want every eligible producer to know that help remains available,” said Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency Administrator David Lopez in a release.
Emergency Conservation Program provides financial cost-share and technical assistance to eligible agricultural producers to repair and restore farmland and irrigation equipment damaged by qualifying natural disasters.
A 25% advance also could be available upon request for eligible restoration work, including some work they perform themselves.
Farm Service Agency will review requests, assess documented damage and provide instructions on eligibility, required documentation and approved restoration measures.
“We recognize that our farmers and ranchers are essential to Hawaiʻi’s communities and food security, so we strongly encourage farmers to call their local [Farm Service Agency] county office and apply before the extended July 31 deadline,” Lopez said.
Assistance could also be available for approved conservation practices such as debris removal, land grading or shaping, restoration of permanent fencing, restoration of conservation structures and emergency water conservation measures during severe drought.
Work should not begin before receiving directions from Farm Service Agency when pre-approval is required.
Big Island producers and farmers can contact Kauaʻi County Farm Service Agency Service Center at 808-975-9529 for additional information or to apply.
