CORECTION:
A previous version of this press release incorrectly stated that these recipients were for the FY25-26 Agriculture Farm Expansion Grants rather than the FY26-27 grant cycle. This has been corrected below.
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OED announces recipients of FY26-27 Agriculture Farm Expansion Grants
LĪHU‘E – The Office of Economic Development (OED) has awarded a total of $450,000 through its Agricultural Farm Expansion Grant Program to six organizations for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
The program supports projects that advance Kaua‘i’s agricultural industry through targeted investments in expanding local farming and production, improving agricultural infrastructure, and strengthening the island’s food security.
The six recipients were selected through a competitive application process. Proposals were reviewed and scored by a selection committee based on established program criteria, including each project's potential to increase agricultural production capacity, improve operational efficiency, and support the long-term sustainability of local agriculture.
“Supporting our farmers means investing in Kaua‘i’s future,” said OED Director Nalani Ka‘auwai Brun. “These organizations competed for limited funding and demonstrated how their projects could make a meaningful difference in our agricultural community. Our responsibility is to evaluate applications fairly and consistently, based on the merits of each proposal and how well it aligns with the goals of the grant program. We are pleased to support these efforts to strengthen local agriculture, improve food security, and build a more resilient island economy.”
The six projects receiving funding are:.
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Mālama Kaua‘i: Continue restoration of the Pu‘ulima ‘Auwai in Makaweli, improving water access for six multigenerational kalo farming families and supporting the long-term viability of traditional agriculture.
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Waioli Valley Taro Hui: Restore approximately two acres of overgrown lo‘i and ‘auwai, improving irrigation, drainage, and productivity while preserving generations of family kalo farming.
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Lydgate Farms, LLC: Expand local cacao processing and chocolate manufacturing capacity through the development of a commercial processing facility on Kaua‘i, creating opportunities for local production and employment.
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Ho‘omalu Ke Kai: Expand renewable energy infrastructure at Kaua‘i Sea Farm to increase sustainable aquaculture production and improve operational resilience.
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Nourish Kaua‘i ‘Ohana: Support Lin’s Farm in acquiring agricultural equipment to improve efficiency, reduce labor-intensive operations, and expand production on its 21-acre farm.
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‘Āina Ho‘okupu o Kīlauea: Purchase a tractor for the Kīlauea Community Agricultural Center to support farm operations, increase production capacity, and assist small independent farmers.
For more information, contact the Office of Economic Development at (808) 241-4946 or email oed@kauai.gov.
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