Are You a Farmer or Landowner Looking to Practice Agroforestry?
We are excited to announce an unprecedented new funding opportunity for farmers across Hawaiʻi looking to begin or expand agroforestry operations! Unlike many conventional agriculture funding assistance programs, these incentive funds will be dispersed up-front before any installation activities occur, and technical assistance will also be provided to support selected applicants’ project planning and implementation.
The aim of this program is to catalyze expansion of agroforestry practices in commercial agriculture operations to help save farmers money and increase their income while benefiting the environment and mitigating climate change through tree planting.
Program Background & Details
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and partners are launching this 5-year project to catalyze the agroforestry industry and facilitate the transition to more climate-friendly agriculture.
The Expanding Agroforestry Project is funded through the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (CSC) initiative. In 2022, the USDA announced more than $3.1 billion in funding for 141 projects, including $60 million for this national agroforestry project. The overarching project goal is to add 30,000 new acres of agroforestry across 30 states while creating a network of demonstration sites. The project is also prioritizing a portion of funds to help producers from under-served populations.
TNC, which is responsible for grant administration, has selected the Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Co-op to be its lead partner managing projects in the Hawaiʻi region. There are five other regions on the Continental U.S. which each have their own lead partner helping to expand financing and develop markets for agroforestry commodities.
**APPLICATION CYCLE CURRENTLY CLOSED, LINK BELOW IS DISABLED**
IS THIS PROGRAM FOR YOU?
Fill out the little intake form below and we’ll follow up to help direct you.
EXPANDING AGROFORESTRY WEBINAR
We hosted an informational Webinar on Nov. 29th, ’23 along with The Nature Conservancy. A lot of great program info, feedback, and resources were shared.
To check it out, click the button below and use passcode: q.doy3Mi
Join our Agroforestry Mailing List
Application Information
- Future enrollment cycles 2024 TBA (sign up for our agroforestry mailing list above to receive program updates!)
- Two enrollment cycles per year through 2028
- Minimum project size in Hawaiʻi is 1 acre and needs to show economic viability
- This program is intended to meaningfully engage and be accessible to underserved producers who are encouraged to apply
- When filling out the application, we recommend completing write-ups in a separate document saved to your computer to avoid loss of data due to page time-out
- If you require assistance with completing an application, please contact Chris at agroforestry@eatbreadfruit.com
Click here to read the Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
- All selected applicants will receive hands-on technical assistance with design, planning, financial projections, and data analysis using the Overyield software, pictured above
- Approved projects may qualify for “Category 1 Incentive Payments” of up to 75% of total installation cost up-front plus a transition incentive of $450 per acre divided into three installments; or “Category 2 Transition Payments” of $450 per acre divided into three installments if they have outside financing for their project
- Qualifying expenses include startup costs such as land prep, soil amendments, irrigation, trees, fencing, mowing, hole-digging, planting, mulch, and more
- Enrolled producers will be expected to plant trees, implement plans, and measure and report data to contribute to the overall goals of this initiative
Visit Nature.org’s Expanding Agroforestry site for full details!
