Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by Hawaii Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity (DAB)

Loan applications may be obtained from any Agricultural Loan Division Office. Loan Officers are available to provide assistance and guidance on the loan process. 

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.

Oahu Agricultural Loan Division Office

Hilo Agricultural Loan Division Office

Kona Civic Center

The Hawaii Alternative Energy Loan Program 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&#x2004;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.](https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/agl/home/guaranteedparticipation-loans/)


Act 209 was enacted in 2008 to establish a new loan program to help full-time farmers, ranchers, and aquaculturalists to reduce dependence on fossil fuel by producing renewable energy through sources such as photovoltaic, hydroelectric, wind, methane, biodiesel, and ethanol. The act also allows for loans for food safety projects to ensure a safe food supply for Hawaii’s people.



The Hawaii Alternative Energy Loan Program 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.

Act 209 was enacted in 2008 to establish a new loan program to help full-time farmers, ranchers, and aquaculturalists to reduce dependence on fossil fuel by producing renewable energy through sources such as photovoltaic, hydroelectric, wind, methane, biodiesel, and ethanol. The act also allows for loans for food safety projects to ensure a safe food supply for Hawaii’s people.

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.

A payment that must be returned to the provider following specified terms of repayment and interest rate.

Loan

- Micro Loan Application
- Personal Financial Statement
- Expense Projection Sheet
- Income Assumptions
- Monthly Cash Flow Projections
- Food Manufacturing Income Assumptions


Biofuel

Hydro Power

Solar Power

Wind Energy

Alternative Energy

Direct state loan (or private-lender participation) for on-farm renewable energy and food-safety projects.

- Amount: "The maximum loan amount is $1,500,000 or 85 percent of the project cost, whichever is less." So you must bring at least 15% of project cost.
- Term: "The program offers favorable interest rates with a maximum loan term of 40 years."
- Eligible uses: "Funds can be used for infrastructure, equipment, land improvement and operating costs associated with the project."

No interest rate is published on the program page — it says only "favorable interest rates," and the division describes the fund generally as "providing credit at reasonable rates and terms." A rule amendment proposed by the department (notice of public hearing, testimony closed March 6, 2026) would set HAR 4-8-12 interest rates "to a flat rate of four (4) per cent for most qualified Classes and three (3) per cent for new farmers and others specified loan classes" — treat that as proposed, not adopted, and confirm the current rate with a loan officer.

Practical catch: this is a lender of last resort. "In order to be eligible for a direct loan, applicants must be denied credit from two lenders." Applicants who cannot obtain denials may instead ask a private lender about the insured/guaranty or participation loan facilities.

Loan applications may be obtained from any Agricultural Loan Division Office. Loan Officers are available to provide assistance and guidance on the loan process. To be eligible for a direct loan, applicants must be denied credit from three lenders, which include the Farm Credit Bank and two other private lenders including banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, and mortgage loan companies.

A private lender may pursue a participation loan or insured/guaranty loan on behalf of the applicant. Under these circumstances, the private lender will work in conjunction with the Division on the loan application.

As part of the application process, aspects such as repayment ability, collateral, and credit history will be taken into consideration. Acceptable applications are presented to the Board of Agriculture for final approval.

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.

The Hawaii Aquaculture Loans are part of the Hawaii&#x2004;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.](https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/agl/home/guaranteedparticipation-loans/)



The Hawaii Aquaculture Loans are 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 qualified aquaculturist is:
- A person or association of persons, actively engaged in aquaculture farming, aquaculture produce processing, or aquacultural product development activities; and
- An adult resident of the State or a corporation or aquacultural cooperative licensed to do business in Hawaii or a partnership in which at least one partner is an adult resident of the State; and
- A sound credit risk with the ability to repay money borrowed; and
- Able to produce satisfactory credit references.

Aquaculture loans are for applicant who intends to devote full-time to aquaculture. A full-time aquaculturist is defined as a person who devotes most of their time to aquaculture or derives a major portion of their income from aquaculture farming operations.

Aquaculture

Aquatic Plants

Seafood

Eels

Fish

Shellfish

Atka Mackerel

Carp

Catfish

Flounder

Goosefish

Herring

Hybrid Striped Bass

Largemouth Bass

Ornamental Fish

Pacific Cod

Pacific Ocean Perch

Pollock

Recreational Sportfish

Red Drum

Sablefish

Salmon

Sole

Sturgeon

Tilapia

Trout

Tuna

Turbot

Crustaceans

Crab

Dungeness Crab

King Crab

Snow Crab

Southern Tanner Crab

Crayfish

Lobster

Molluscs

Geoduck

Squid

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Certification

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Buildings

Construction

Fencing

Greenhouse

High Tunnel

Irrigation

Storage

Training

Certified Organic

Trade Relief

Infrastructure

Loans to Sole Proprietors, Partnerships, & Corporations:
- Farm Ownership & Improvement Loan: Purchase or improvement of aquaculture farmland.
- Operating Loan: Purchase of aquatic equipment, fishstock; payment of production and marketing expenses including materials, labor, & services; and living expenses.

Loans to Aquaculture Cooperatives:
- Facility Loan: Purchase or improve land, building and equipment.
- Operating Loan: Provide operating capital to finance inventories, warehouse, and shipping commodities, extension of consumer credit to justified members and other normal operating expenses.

Interest rates for aquaculture loans are fixed at 5% per annum.

For further information, please call the Agricultural Loan Division in Honolulu at 808-973-9458 or email HDOA.AGLOAN@hawaii.gov.

Hawaii DAB — Agricultural Loan Division

The State of Hawai'i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Agricultural Loan Division administers an emergency agricultural loan program to assist farmers and ranchers suffering damage from natural disasters. The program is activated by the Hawai'i Board of Agriculture and&#x2004;Biosecurity for specific emergency events, with parameters (maximum loan amount, interest rate, application deadline) set on a case-by-case basis per activation. For the August 22, 2023 activation assisting Maui and Hawai'i Island farmers and ranchers suffering damage from high winds and wildfires, the Board approved the following parameters: Maximum loan amount $350,000.00; Interest rate 3%; terms determined on a case-by-case basis based on historical farm performance and projected cash flow. For agribusinesses and farmers needing loans of $50,000 or less, micro-loans involving less paperwork and swifter processing are available.



The State of Hawai'i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Agricultural Loan Division administers an emergency agricultural loan program to assist farmers and ranchers suffering damage from natural disasters. The program is activated by the Hawai'i Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity for specific emergency events, with parameters (maximum loan amount, interest rate, application deadline) set on a case-by-case basis per activation. For the August 22, 2023 activation assisting Maui and Hawai'i Island farmers and ranchers suffering damage from high winds and wildfires, the Board approved the following parameters: Maximum loan amount $350,000.00; Interest rate 3%; terms determined on a case-by-case basis based on historical farm performance and projected cash flow. For agribusinesses and farmers needing loans of $50,000 or less, micro-loans involving less paperwork and swifter processing are available.

Hawai'i farmers and ranchers who lost production to a declared disaster. Individuals apply directly — "Sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations, and cooperatives are among the legal forms of businesses eligible to apply for a loan." But two things gate this program that do not gate most disaster loans: it only exists when the state activates it, and it is a lender of last resort.

It has to be turned on first. "Emergency Loans are available to provide relief and rehabilitation due to environmental disasters, disease epidemics, and other economic emergencies. Emergency Loans are activated by declaration of a disaster by the Governor and are at an interest rate not less than 3% per annum. The Board of Agriculture determines the loan amount and terms." There is no standing open application — if no activation covers your event and your island, there is nothing to apply for. Scope is bounded too: "the scope of any loans under this program shall be limited to the emergency period (under which the losses caused by the emergency shall have taken place). However, the program may accept applications after the emergency period ends."

Lender of last resort — you must be turned down first. "Prospective applicants must inquire with and be denied credit from private sector lenders prior to filling an application," and 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." This requirement can be waived per activation — for the August 22, 2023 Maui and Hawai'i Island wildfire activation, the "Credit denial requirement has been waived."

The underlying farmer test (Qualified Farmer). A Qualified Farmer is: "A citizen of the United States who has resided in Hawaii for the preceding three years, or any permanent resident alien who has resided in Hawaii for the preceding three years; and A person of proven farming ability who has operated their own farm for two or more years; and A person who devotes most of their time or derives most of their net income from the farming operation." For entities: "Eligible partnerships are controlled by at least seventy-five percent by persons who qualify individually. Eligible corporations are those where at least seventy-five percent of the stockholders and directors qualify individually." Cooperatives must have a majority of directors and a majority of members qualifying individually.

Note that an activation can relax these. In the 2023 wildfire activation, "The 3-year residency requirement for U.S. Citizens and permanent resident aliens shall not apply," and "Collateral requirements may be modified or waived, as necessary, on a case-by-case basis."

No acreage minimum or income floor is published. Approval is a credit decision — "aspects such as repayment ability, collateral, and credit history, economic and environmental conditions, and historic performance will be taken into consideration" — and the Board of Agriculture gives final approval (micro-loans of $50,000 or less can be approved by the Board Chairperson, with less paperwork and faster processing).

Before you assume you qualify, ask which activation is live. Call the Agricultural Loan Division — Honolulu (808) 973-9458 or (808) 973-9460, HDOA.AGLOAN@hawaii.gov — or the O'ahu, Hilo, Kona, Kaua'i, Maui or Moloka'i office. The Division says loan officers "are available to assist you in determining your eligibility for the loan program." Note also that HAR Chapter 4-8 is under active amendment (public hearing March 2026) — including a change to a single credit denial and "Interest and conditions for emergency loans will be determined by the Department of Agriculture board" — so confirm current rules rather than relying on the 2023 parameters.

Coronavirus

Trees

Weather

Wildfire

Drought

Flood

Hurricane

Tornado

Emergency

Disaster Relief

Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis as needed, based on historical farm performance and projected cash flow. (2023 wildfire activation) Interest rate 3%; the 3-year residency requirement for U.S. Citizens and permanent resident aliens shall not apply; collateral requirements may be modified or waived on a case-by-case basis; the credit denial requirement is waived. Pursuant to Section 4-8-15, Hawai'i Administrative Rules, the scope of loans under an emergency activation is limited to the emergency period in which the losses occurred, though the program may accept applications after the emergency period ends.

As of the January 29, 2026 Notice of Public Hearing (hearing held March 9, 2026), the implementing rules (HAR Chapter 4-61) were undergoing adoption and the program was not yet open for applications. Administered by the DAB Agricultural Loan Division. Proposed rules: https://dab.hawaii.gov/blog/main/proposed-administrative-rules/

The Food Hub Grant Program is authorized by Act 313 of 2022. The purpose of the food hub grant program is to provide funds to support the establishment of food hubs. Food hubs provide wider access to institutional and retail markets for small producers and increase consumer access to fresh healthy food.



The program is not open yet, and the eligibility rules below are still in draft. Chapter 4-61, Hawai'i Administrative Rules — which sets eligibility — went to a public hearing on March 9, 2026 and is published only as a DRAFT. Treat everything here as the proposed standard and confirm with the Agricultural Loan Division before relying on it.

Who may apply, per proposed §4-61-5: "Qualifying applicants shall include corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, sole proprietorships, non-profit organizations, and agricultural cooperatives." Sole proprietorships are on that list, so an individual operator is not shut out — but note what is being funded is a food hub, not a farm. A "Food hub" is defined as "the United States Department of Agriculture's working definition of food hub, which means a centrally located facility with a business management structure facilitating the aggregation, storage, processing, distribution, and/or marketing of locally/regionally produced food products."

Every applicant "shall meet all of the following qualifications" (proposed §4-61-5, condensed from the rule text):
- Meet state insurance requirements, "including commercial general liability insurance and automobile liability insurance at specified levels," and provide "a certificate of vendor compliance with Hawaii Compliance Express (HCE)"
- "Agree that if selected as a recipient, it will maintain its principal place of business and conduct a majority portion of its operations in the State"
- "Either be incorporated under the laws of the State, or be registered to do business in the State, if applicable"
- "Have bylaws or policies that describe the manner in which the activities or services for which the grant is awarded shall be conducted or provided"
- "Be licensed or accredited, in accordance with federal, state, or county statutes, rules, or ordinances, to conduct the activities or provide the services for which the grant is awarded"
- If establishing a new food hub "where none currently exist, shall first secure a physical location for the food hub and draft a detailed plan for the food hub's operation"
- "Explain the applicant's intended actions to increase access to locally produced food"
- Comply with all applicable laws "including the USFDA Food Safety Modernization Act, P.L. 111-353, and the Act's provisions on supplier verification, and any applicable tax laws," and with anti-discrimination law
- "Allow the division, department and the auditor full access to its records, reports, files"

Priorities, not requirements (proposed §4-61-8): preference goes to "Organizations having demonstrated experience in aggregation, washing, minimal processing, packaging, cold storage, and other value-additions for delivering local produce to local markets," and to "Qualified applicants receiving their first award from the department, over multiple award grantees." No more than one award per applicant per fiscal year unless funding remains in the last quarter.

Who the program is meant to serve — useful context even though it is not an applicant test: the food hub must widen market access "for small- to very small-sized producers," defined in the rules as "producers with less than $500,000 and $250,000 respectively in annual farm sales."

No application window, deadline, or Request for Proposal has been published. Administered by the DAB Agricultural Loan Division; proposed rules at https://dab.hawaii.gov/blog/main/proposed-administrative-rules/

A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

Local Food

Farmers Market

Marketing

Chapter 4-61, Hawai'i Administrative Rules, establishes rules governing the food hub grant program including eligibility, application and grant review process, and a maximum grant amount of $100,000.

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.

A private lender may pursue a participation loan or insured/guaranty loan on behalf of the applicant. Under these circumstances, the private lender will work in conjunction with the Division on the loan application.

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 are presented to the Board of Agriculture for final approval, with the exception of Micro-loans, which 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.


The Hawaii Food Manufacturing Loans are part of the Hawaii&#x2004;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.](https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/agl/home/guaranteedparticipation-loans/)




The Hawaii Food Manufacturing Loans are 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 Food Manufacturer is:
- An entity licensed to do business in the State of Hawaii; and
- Eligible food manufacturers shall have the controlling interest of its shareholders and directors possess a minimum of two years of relevant processing or manufacturing experiences as acceptable to the department of agriculture; and
- The entity shall process Hawaii-grown agricultural products or use Hawaii-grown agricultural products as an ingredient in the manufacturing process.
Processed and manufactured agricultural food products include items such as chips, dairy products, guava and papaya puree, macadamia nut products, fruit drinks, juices, nectars, jams, jellies, packaged coffee, processed vegetables, freeze-dried and fresh poi, processed meat products, cookies, and candies.

Dairy

Guava

Papaya

Macadamia Nuts

Fruits

Coffee

Butter

Cheese

Milk

Yogurt

Abiu

Achachairu

Antidesma

Apples

Apricots

Bananas

Barbados Cherry

Blueberries

Breadfruit

Cacao

Caimito

Calabaza Melon

Canary Melon

Canary Seed

Caneberries

Canistel

Cantaloupes

Casaba Melon

Cherries

Chinese Bitter Melon

Chokeberry

Citron

Citron Melon

Coconuts

Cranberries

Crenshaw Melon

Custard Apple

Dates

Dragon Fruit

Durian

Elderberries

Figs

Genip

Goji

Gooseberries

Grapefruit

Grapes

Guavaberry

Honeyberries

Honeydew

Huckleberries

Israel Melons

Jack Fruit

Jujube

Juneberries

Kiwiberry

Kiwifruit

Korean Golden Melon

Kumquats

Langsat

Lemons

Limequats

Limes

Longan

Loquats

Lychee

Mangos

Mangosteen

Mayhaw Berries

Mesple

Mulberries

Nectarines

Oranges

Passion Fruits

Pawpaw

Peaches

Pears

Pineapple

Plantain

Plumcots

Plums

Pomegranates

Prunes

Pummelo

Raisins

Rambutan

Sapodilla

Sapote

Schizandra Berries

Soursop

Sprite Melon

- Facility Loans' purpose are to purchase or improve land, buildings, and equipment.
- Operating Loans' purpose are tp finance inventories of supplies and materials, warehousing, marketing expenses and shipping commodities.
- Facility Loans require a down payment or equity contribution of 15% and can not exceed 85% of the value of the security offered.
- Interest rates are fixed at 1% below the prime rate or at 7-1/2% per annum whichever is less. The prime rate is determined twice a year, on January 1st and July 1st of each year.



List of Hawaii Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity (DAB) Funding Opportunities