Navigating Agricultural Risk: Crop Insurance, Disaster Assistance, and Risk Management Resources for Hawaiʻi Farmers

Agriculture comes with inherent risks, from unpredictable weather and major storms to market fluctuations. For farmers across Hawaiʻi, having the right coverage and contingency plans in place is essential for protecting your livelihood and ensuring long-term resilience.

A range of federal, state, and private insurance programs and disaster assistance options are available to help you manage risks and recover when natural disasters occur.

Hurricane Lala Current Resources:

If your farm sustained damage or losses from Hurricane Lala, immediate relief resources and guidance are available to help you navigate recovery:

  • Access the Full Fact Sheet: View the complete Lala Funding Fact Sheet for detailed eligibility timelines, lender/grantee email templates, and program guidelines.

Critical Steps for Immediate Recovery:

  1. Document All Damage and Losses: Take clear photos, record field notes, and keep detailed records of all crop, infrastructure, equipment, and livestock losses.

  2. Report Your Losses: Report damage directly to the following entities to ensure access to emergency relief:

  3. Register / Contact the Farm Service Agency (FSA): Contact your local county FSA office to register your farm and explore emergency programs (such as LIP, ELAP, and TAP).

  • Need Help Calculating Losses? Utilize GoFarm Hawaiʻi’s Damage Calculation Tool for assistance with estimating losses.

  • Existing Grants & Loans: Contact your lenders or grant officers as soon as possible to request accommodations, payment deferrals, or timeline adjustments. (Drafting templates are provided in the Fact Sheet).

Key Federal Programs: Focus on NAP and TAP

When major weather events strike, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers vital programs to assist growers. Two of the most relevant programs for local farmers include:

  • Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP): NAP provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops to protect against natural disasters that result in lower yields, crop losses, or prevented planting.

    • Proactive Action: We strongly encourage farmers to pre-register and enroll in NAP early, before disaster strikes. Pre-registering ensures your operation is recognized and ready to access support rapidly when emergency relief is needed.

  • Tree Assistance Program (TAP): TAP offers cost-share assistance to qualifying orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes, and vines lost due to natural disasters.

Learn More: Risk Management Webinar

To better understand federal and private crop insurance options tailored to local operations, watch this recorded webinar co-hosted by GoFarm Hawaiʻi and Feed the Hunger Fund:

Watch the Risk Management Webinar: Managing Risk Webinar Video

Additional Resources and Next Steps

  1. AgStewardship Funding & Fact Sheets: Explore dedicated disaster assistance and funding fact sheets through the AgStewardship initiative to understand eligibility and grant/loan opportunities.

  2. GoFarm Hawaiʻi: Visit GoFarm Hawaiʻi’s Website to explore training opportunities, business consulting, and guidance on selecting the crop insurance plan that best fits your farm’s goals.

  3. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA): Learn more about additional safety-net programs, including Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC), by visiting the USDA FSA ARC/PLC Page.

Need Local Support? Contact your local FSA county office to speak with staff, review your coverage options, and get assistance with pre-registration and enrollment.