Honolulu, October 2, 2020 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recently announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide approximately $530 million to support the U.S. seafood industry and fishermen impacted by retaliatory tariffs from foreign governments. The funding will be provided through the Seafood Trade Relief Program and funded through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).

The program provides direct support to U.S. commercial fishermen who have a valid federal or state license or permit to catch seafood who bring their catch to shore and sell or transfer them to another party. That other party must be a legally permitted or licensed seafood dealer. Alternatively, the catch can be processed at sea and sold by the same legally permitted entity that harvested or processed the seafood. STRP assists U.S. licensed or permitted commercial fishermen for covered species caught in U.S. waters. 

Honolulu, August 27, 2020 — The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be open to in-person visits during office hours to serve Honolulu County’s agricultural producers during the new “stay-at-home” order starting Thursday, August 27, 2020.

The FSA is located at the Airport Industrial Park on Koapaka Street and the NRCS is at the Prince Kuhio Federal Building downtown.

Visitors must call ahead and schedule an appointment. Visitors will be pre-screened based on health concerns or recent travel and must adhere to social distancing guidelines. In accordance with local guidelines, visitors must wear a face covering during their appointment.

Farm Service Agency: (808) 861-8538 extension 2

Natural Resources Conservation Service: (808)-600-2912

Application Deadline Extended to Sept. 11, and Producers Who Have Approved Applications to Receive Final Payments

(Washington, D.C., Aug. 11, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that additional commodities are covered by the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) in response to public comments and data. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline to apply for the program to September 11th, and producers with approved applications will receive their final payment. After reviewing over 1,700 responses, even more farmers and ranchers will have the opportunity for assistance to help keep operations afloat during these tough times.

“President Trump is standing with America’s farmers and ranchers to ensure they get through this pandemic and continue to produce enough food and fiber to feed America and the world. That is why he authorized this $16 billion of direct support in the CFAP program and today we are pleased to add additional commodities eligible to receive much needed assistance,” said Secretary Perdue. “CFAP is just one of the many ways USDA is helping producers weather the impacts of the pandemic. From deferring payments on loans to adding flexibilities to crop insurance and reporting deadlines, USDA has been leveraging many tools to help producers.”

Program Helps Offset Transporting Costs for Farmers and Ranchers Outside the Contiguous U.S. 

HONOLULU, Hawaii , July 13, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Hawaii State and the Pacific Basin today announced that the enrollment period for the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP) for fiscal year 2020 begins July 13 and will run through Sept. 4.

HONOLULU, HAWAII, July 9, 2020 – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced the acceptance of more than 1.2 million acres in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands during the recent signup period that began March 16 and ended May 15. The number of acres offered during this signup period was 1.9 million acres, over 3 times the number offered during the last signup period in 2016. 

(Washington, D.C., June 4, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has already approved more than $545 million in payments to producers who have applied for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. FSA began taking applications May 26, and the agency has received over 86,000 applications for this important relief program.

“The coronavirus has hurt America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers, and these payments directed by President Trump will help this critical industry weather the current pandemic so they can continue to plant and harvest a safe, nutritious, and affordable crop for the American people,” said Secretary Perdue. “We have tools and resources available to help producers understand the program and enable them to work with Farm Service Agency staff to complete applications as smoothly and efficiently as possible and get payments into the pockets of our patriotic farmers.”

Farmers and Ranchers to Receive Direct Support for Losses Related to COVID-19

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 19, 2020 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced details of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America’s farmers and ranchers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to this direct support to farmers and ranchers, USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Box program is partnering with regional and local distributors, whose workforces have been significantly impacted by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities, to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy, and meat and deliver boxes to Americans in need.

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2020 –The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of $3 million for grants through its new Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. The competitive grants will support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects through two categories, Planning Projects and Implementation Projects. USDA will accept applications on Grants.gov until midnight July 6, 2020.

“These grant opportunities underscore USDA’s commitment to all segments of agriculture, including swiftly expanding areas of urban agriculture,” Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey said. “Such projects have the potential to address important issues such as food access and education and to support innovative ways to increase local food production in urban environments.”

HONOLULU, HAWAII, March 26, 2020 – Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced the acceptance of more than 3.4 million acres in the general Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) signup recently completed, the first general signup enrollments since 2016. County offices will begin notifying producers with accepted offers no later than April 3.

Through CRP, farmers and ranchers receive an annual rental payment for establishing long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland. Farmers and ranchers who participate in CRP help provide numerous benefits to the nation’s environment and economy.

Disaster Assistance Meetings to be Held Now Through October

HONOLULU, Sept. 12, 2019 — Agricultural producers affected by natural disasters in 2018 and 2019 can apply through the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+). Sign-up for this U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program began Sept. 11.

“There is no doubt that extreme weather has greatly impacted Hawaii’s agricultural producers over the last several years,” said AL Frenzel, executive director for Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Hawaii and the Pacific Basin. “Congress recently passed a disaster relief package which will benefit Hawaii and Pacific Basin producers who have suffered from tropical storms, hurricanes, flooding, volcano eruption and typhoon-caused damages.”  

HONOLULU, Hawaii, July 22, 2019 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced that farmers and ranchers residing outside the contiguous continental United States may enroll in the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP) for fiscal year 2019 began on July 15, 2019. The sign up will run through Sept. 6, 2019.

Honolulu, Hawaii, July 11, 2019 –USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Hawaii and the Pacific Basin today announced that fiscal year 2018 payments for the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP) will begin on July 12, 2019. State Executive Director AL Frenzel said RTCP will help eligible farmers and ranchers offset a portion of the cost of transporting agricultural products over long distances.

WASHINGTON, June 3, 2019 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin accepting nominations for county committee members on Friday, June 14, 2019. Agricultural producers who participate or cooperate in an FSA program may be nominated for candidacy for the county committee. Individuals may nominate themselves or others as a candidate.

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2019 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that organic producers and handlers can apply for federal funds to assist with the cost of receiving and maintaining organic certification through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Applications for fiscal 2019 funding are due Oct. 31, 2019.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2019 – Agricultural producers have until Feb. 14, 2019, to sign up for USDA’s Market Facilitation Program (MFP), launched last year to help producers suffering from damages due to unjustified trade retaliation. Producers can apply without proof of yield but must certify 2018 production by May 1, 2019. Since its launch in September 2018, more than 864,000 producers have applied, supporting those hit hard with nearly $8 billion in estimated payments.

(Kahului, Hawaii), September 19, 2018 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director James Robello today announced that Maui County is approved to accept applications for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from Hurricane Lane. ECP signup will begin on September 21, 2018, and end on October 23, 2018.   

Honolulu, Hawaii, July 16, 2018 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hawaii State and Pacific Basin Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director AL Frenzel today announced to farmers and ranchers residing outside the contiguous continental United States that the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP) for fiscal year 2018 will begin on July 16, 2018 and end on September 7, 2018.  

(Dallas, TX, May 31, 2018) - U.S. Secretary f Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Texas A&M's AgriLife Extension Service to help military veterans obtain loans and pursue careers as farmers and ranchers.  Secretary Perdue joined local dignitaries, members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and community leaders at the Dallas Farmers Market to unveil the new pilot program. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Kauai County in Hawaii as a primary disaster area due to losses and damages caused by record-breaking rainfall, excessive flooding and massive landslides that occurred from April 13, 2018, through April 20, 2018.  

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2018 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced another year of high activity in its farm loan programs. Hard-working farm families across the country accessed nearly $6 billion in new credit, either directly or guaranteed through commercial lenders in 2017. At year end, FSA was assisting more than 120,000 family farmers with loans totaling just over $25 billion.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2017 – Through the work of dedicated staff in over 2,100 county and state offices, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides vital farm safety-net assistance to agricultural producers across America.

“We’ve seen recent challenges in farm income and commodity prices,” said Dr. Robert Johansson, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for the Farm Production and Conservation mission area. “The ‘safety net’ provided in the 2014 Farm Bill has helped producers withstand economic losses as well as losses resulting from natural disasters. Loans for operating expenses, farm purchases and other purposes help current producers stay in business and allow a new generation of farmers and ranchers get their start.”

HONOLULU, Hawaii -- Nov.  28, 2017- The Trump Administration recently appointed Allen “AL” Frenzel as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Hawaii Farm Service Agency (FSA). Frenzel joined the Hawaii FSA team on Monday, Nov. 27.

Frenzel is an entrepreneur who recently owned and operated several businesses in Hawaii, including consulting services in the area of logistics, leadership and business optimization. He is a logistics management professional who previously worked for Defense Logistics Agency on the United States Pacific Command staff after retiring as an Army Colonel with 27 years of active service. He served as a Professor and Director of Logistics Management at the U.S. Army War College. Originally an agriculture student at the University of Nevada-Reno, he obtained his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Central Texas College and his Master of Science in business administration from Boston University.

(Honolulu, Hawaii), October 31, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hawaii and Pacific Basin Farm Service Agency (FSA) Active Executive Director Steve Peterson reminds producers that FSA offers specially targeted farm ownership and farm operating loans to underserved applicants as well as beginning farmers and ranchers.

“Each year, a portion of FSA’s loan funds are set aside to lend to targeted underserved and beginning farmers and ranchers,” said Peterson. “Farming and ranching is a capital intensive business and FSA is committed to helping producers start and maintain their agricultural operations.”

WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that it will process many pending eligible offers for land enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and it will temporarily suspend accepting most new offers until later in the 2018 fiscal year.

Honolulu, Hawaii, July 25, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hawaii State and Pacific Basin Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Executive Director Steve Peterson recently announced to farmers and ranchers residing outside the contiguous continental United States that the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP) for fiscal year 2017 began on July 17, 2017, and ends on Sept. 8, 2017.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2017 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced the expansion of a unique service for farmers and ranchers. FSA’s Bridges to Opportunity program provides a one-stop-shop that connects producers with resources, programs and educational services offered across the department, as well as from other USDA partner organizations. Bridges to Opportunity, which currently provides enhanced customer support to more than 150,000 customers in 20 states, will expand to serve customers across the country before the end of the month using fiscal year 2016 funds. 

Allows for Transfer of Certain Conservation Reserve Program Land to New Farmers; Provides Priority Enrollment in Working Lands Conservation Programs

DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 29, 2016 – Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary Lanon Baccam today announced that beginning Jan. 9, 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will offer an early termination opportunity for certain Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts, making it easier to transfer property to the next generation of farmers and ranchers, including family members. The land that is eligible for the early termination is among the least environmentally sensitive land enrolled in CRP.

Honolulu, HAWAII, August 29, 2016 - Farm Service Agency (FSA) has a number of loan programs available to assist applicants to begin or continue in agriculture production. Loans are available for operating type loans and/or to purchase or improve farms or ranches.

WASHINGTON, July 11, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today signed a proclamation declaring Aug. 7-13, 2016, as "National Farmers Market Week." This year marks the 17th annual National Farmers Market Week to honor and celebrate the important role that farmers markets play in local economies.

WASHINGTON, April 27, 2016 – The U.S. Department Agriculture (USDA) today announced cooperative agreements with 55 partners to educate farmers and other producers that have been underserved by USDA programs historically about Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs that provide financial, disaster or technical support. Nearly $2.5 million will go to nonprofits, associations, universities, and foundations that will provide training and information on agricultural best practices, local networking opportunities, and more.

WASHINGTON, April 20, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Maui County in Hawaii as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2015 – This year, millions of rural businesses and families were positively impacted by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) investments in their communities. Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released a list of USDA's top achievements in 2015, demonstrating USDA's efforts to help farmers and ranchers bring their products to tables domestically and abroad, build critical infrastructure in America's rural areas, conserve our nation's natural resources through long-lasting partnerships, and continuously work toward improving the lives of all Americans

WASHINGTON, November 6, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed members of the USDA Minority Farmers Advisory Committee (MFAC). The committee provides farmer, rancher, industry and public perspectives on USDA strategies, policies and programs that impact minority farmers and ranchers.

Hilo, Hawaii, October 8, 2015 - Commercial agricultural producers in Hawaii County, whose operations suffered physical damage or losses caused by flash flooding that occurred August 24, 2015 through September 27, 2015, may be eligible for Emergency Loans through the United State Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Barrigada, Guam, Sept. 23, 2015 - Today, Guam and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Farm Service Agency County Executive Director Thomas Camacho announced the extension of the deadline to sign up for Reimbursement of Transportation Cost Payment (RTCP) to October 9, 2015 for CNMI producers. This extension will assist producers who have had problems accessing communication systems following Typhoon Soudelor and may have missed the program deadline.

Honolulu, Hawaii, August 31, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hawaii and Pacific Basin State Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Diane Ley announced that beginning July 20, farmers and ranchers residing outside the contiguous continental United States can enroll in the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP) for fiscal year 2015. Applicants must submit their application to their administrative county FSA office by Sept. 11, 2015. Applicants will have until Nov. 2, 2015, to provide supporting documentation.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Kauai and Maui counties in Hawaii as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.

Honolulu, Hawaii, June 3, 2015 - The Hawaii and Pacific Basin Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced that farmers and ranchers still have time to apply for low interest loans available through the FSA direct farm ownership program. Applications must be approved by September 30, 2015, to take advantage of the funding available.

MILWAUKEE, May 29, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that an additional 800,000 acres of highly environmentally sensitive land may be enrolled in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) under certain wetland and wildlife initiatives that provide multiple benefits on the same land.

(Honolulu, Hawaii) March 24, 2015 – Farmers and ranchers in the counties of Hawaii and Honolulu who suffered damages from severe winds on January 2-3, 2015 may be eligible for assistance under the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). A qualifying producer may receive cost share assistance up to 75 percent of the eligible cost of restoration measures, such as debris removal or repair of conservation practices. No producer is eligible to receive more than $200,000 per natural disaster occurrence.

(Honolulu, Hawaii) March 10, 2015 - Commercial agricultural producers on Hawaii Island, who were negatively impacted by the volcanic eruption and lava flow from Kilauea Volcano, may be eligible for Emergency Loans through the United State Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Honolulu, Hawaii, February 06, 2015 — Agricultural producers whose operations suffered severe physical losses caused by high winds and flooding that occurred January 2-3, 2015 in the counties of Hawaii, Maui and Honolulu may qualify for a Farm Service Agency (FSA) Emergency Physical Loss Loan.