Five Big Island ag ventures get help from USDA
Five Big Island agricultural businesses will receive federal funding to help create new products and better advertise their goods and services to multiple markets.
Island Harvest, a macadamia nut farm located in North Kohala, will receive $214,379 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Value Added Producer Grant Program.
“It was a rigorous application that required a feasibility study along with it,” said owner Andrew Britton. “It’s one of those things you think you’ll never hear back from, so it’s always a surprise when something like this comes through.”
Britton and his brother, Nathan, recently took over the 30-year old, 700-acre farm from their father and have been transitioning into launching their own products instead of only selling wholesale.
“I’m happy to see that these programs are supporting farmers so they can do more with what they are growing,” Britton said. “It gives us more opportunities to sell our products and opens doors for innovation and investment in local food systems.”
Britton and his brother plan to use the grant to expand their current bestseller: organic dark chocolate-covered macadamia nuts.
“We’re still new to selling our own products, so this grant will help us increase the value of our product,” Britton said. “It will help us with purchasing chocolate, contracting work from a confectionery to get the product made, and packaging and supplies.”
Hawaii Ulu Producers Cooperative will receive its second VAPG of $250,000 after having success with its first grant.
After applying and receiving a grant in 2019, the Hawaii Ulu Producers was able to develop its frozen ulu product, which is now widely available in grocery stores and some restaurants.
“Our previous experience with VAPG was great. I mean, you can see the evolution of frozen ulu in the market as proof of impact,” said General Manager Dana Shapiro. “After that experience, we want to use this grant to scale up our ulu flour.”
The grant will help with production costs, some labor, bags, marketing and some raw crop for the ulu flour.
“There aren’t many grants that will provide funding for working capital for farms and small businesses,” Shapiro said. “When you are developing a new product, it costs a lot of money. There is a capital investment that goes into commercialization, and that money is normally hard to come by for most people.”
Shapiro hopes the grant will bring the ulu flour to more markets and help the 111 ulu farms involved in the cooperative.
The Kohala Center, Mother Nature’s Miracle and Spicy Ninja Sauce on the Big Island, as well as Makaalae Farms on Maui, also will be receiving grants from the program.
In all, $1,149,319 in USDA funding is being granted to the six recipients in Hawaii.
“Small farms and agricultural businesses help feed families with fresh, home-grown food,” said U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Rural Development. “This new federal funding will invest in our local farmers and give them more resources to grow their businesses and support their local communities.”
