Hawaii Part-Time Farmer Loan

The Hawaii Part-Time Farmer Loan is part of the Hawaii Agricultural Loan Division.

The State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Loan Division administers the Agricultural Loan Program and the Aquaculture Loan Program. The intent of the programs is to help promote agricultural and aquacultural development of the State by providing credit at reasonable rates and terms to qualifying individuals or entities. Through the establishment of a revolving loan fund, credit is made available by supplementing private lender sector loan funds or by providing direct funding.

Considered a “lender of last resort”, the program is not intended to compete with private sector lenders. Prospective applicants must inquire with and be denied credit from private sector lenders prior to filling an application. In addition, prospective applicants must fulfill applicable eligibility requirements. Applicants that are not able to obtain denials from the private lending sector may inquire with the private lender on the possibility of utilizing the insured/guaranty and/or participation loan facilities.

A Part-Time Farmer is a person of proven farming ability who:

• Is a citizen of the United States who has resided in the State of Hawaii for the preceding three years, or any permanent resident alien who has resided in the State of Hawaii for the preceding three years; and

• Has been operating the person’s own farm for at least two years on land owned by the person in fee or on land rented or leased from others; and

• Is presently devoting a portion of the person’s time to farming; and

• Derives between twenty-five to fifty per cent of the person’s net cash income from direct participation in farming in its broadest sense; and

• Is a sound credit risk with the ability to repay the money borrowed; and

• Is willing to carry out recommended farm management practices.

Loan Rate and Amount

• Interest Rate: Fixed at 1% below the prime rate or at 7-1/2% per annum whichever is less. The prime rate is set twice a year, on January 1st and July 1st of each year.

• Amount: $25,000

Purposes:

• The purchase, construction, and improvement of farm production and/or growing structures; and

• The purchase of farm equipment and/or livestock; and

• The payment of production and marketing expenses, including materials, labor, and services.

Maximum Term:

10 years

Restrictions:

The liquidation of indebtedness incurred for any of the above purposes and for living expenses shall not be authorized purposes.

Loan applications may be obtained from any Agricultural Loan Division Office. Loan Officers are available to provide assistance and guidance on the loan process. In order to be eligible for a direct loan, applicants must be denied credit from two lenders, which include banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, mortgage loan companies, the Farm Credit System and/or the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

As part of the application process, aspects such as repayment ability, collateral, capital, economic and/or environmental conditions, and historic performance will be taken into consideration. Acceptable applications may be approved by the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture.

Prior to obtaining and completing the loan application, it is recommend that you meet with or call one of our loan officers. They are available to assist you in determining your eligibility for the loan program and to guide you through the application process.

• Micro Loan Application

• Personal Financial Statement

• Expense Projection Sheet

• Income Assumptions

• Monthly Cash Flow Projections

• Food Manufacturing Income Assumptions