County Department of Agriculture launches Niu, Kalo, 'Ulu Grant program
The County of Maui Department of Agriculture is launching the Fiscal Year 2027 Niu, Kalo and ‘Ulu Grant program to support Maui County farmers, agricultural producers and community organizations in cultivating and expanding production of traditional kūpuna crops.
Grant applications will be accepted beginning Sept. 23 through 4:30 p.m. Oct. 23, 2026. The two-year grant provides up to $50,000 per year to eligible projects across Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi.
The Department of Agriculture will host a free online workshop Sept. 24 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. to help prospective applicants prepare their grant applications. The workshop will cover eligibility, grant requirements and the application process. Register for the workshop at https://bit.ly/NiuKaloUlu.
The program supports local farmers and producers committed to making niu (coconut), kalo (taro) and ‘ulu (breadfruit) accessible and affordable to Maui County residents, local retailers, institutions and community food programs. Funding may be used to initiate or expand cultivation, incorporate ancestral and culturally significant farming practices, and perpetuate cultural stewardship while strengthening the local food system.
Eligible projects may include:
- Cultivating crops for community food distributions.
- Propagating diverse niu varieties to support replanting in areas affected by the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle.
- Supplying produce for keiki food education programs.
- Preserving heritage varieties and distributing huli and trees to the community.
“Niu, kalo and ‘ulu are essential kūpuna crops that have nourished our islands for generations,” County Director of Agriculture Rogerene “Kali” Arce said. “This grant empowers our farmers to integrate ancestral knowledge into modern production, ensuring these culturally significant foods remain abundant, affordable and rooted in our local food system. By supporting production and community access, we are strengthening food security across Maui County.”
Prospective applicants can access the grant guide and application beginning Sept. 23 through the County Department of Agriculture grants webpage at mauicounty.gov/AgGrants or the Niu, Kalo and ‘Ulu Grant webpage at mauicounty.gov/NiuKaloUlu.
For more information, contact the County Department of Agriculture at www.mauicounty.gov/agriculture, (808) 270-8276, or [email protected].
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