State grants available for organic companies
Organic farmers and handlers are encouraged to apply to the state for grants to help pay for the cost of obtaining organic certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Even companies that have already received a grant may apply for another one to cover additional certification costs. Previously, companies could apply for only one grant during the four-year period that began in 2004.
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture has reimbursed nearly $30,000 to 93 organic companies. An additional $10,000 is still available during the grant period, which ends Sept. 30. Applications and instructions can be obtained by contacting the Market Development Branch at 973-9595, e-mailing hdoa.md@hawaii.gov or through the Agriculture Department's Web site, hawaii.gov/hdoa/add/add_md/OrganicProducers.