Market Development Branch

The mission of the Market Development Branch is to facilitate the development of the agricultural industry through the expansion of new and existing markets.

MICRO-GRANT FOOD SECURITY PROGRAM (MGFSP)

Updated Oct. 24, 2022

MGFSP applicants,

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the disbursement of funds for the Micro-Grant Food Security Program – Fiscal Year 2021 (MGFSP FY21) will be done by check payment instead of by a declining balance credit card. If you have submitted an application for the MGFSP FY21 cycle and would like to withdraw your application, please email [email protected].

We continue to ask for your patience and request that applicants not call or email the office for the status of your application. The program received more than 7,000 applications and are processing them as expeditiously as possible. Applicants will be notified as soon as possible on whether their application was granted or not granted.

Updates on the program will be posted on the Market Development Branch website at: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/add/md/

The next round for the FY22 application open enrollment period is expected sometime in Summer 2023. If you would like to notified when the next round opens, please email the microgrant program at the email above.

We appreciate your patience.

Thank you.

The HDOA Market Development Team

MARKETING PROGRAMS

The “Seal of Quality” Branding Program highlights genuine Hawaii-grown or Hawaii-made premium products. Find them by looking for our seal. Apply today!

hawaiisealofquality

We need to increase local production and food security! Keep our money and jobs in Hawaii! MDB promotes “Buy Local It Matters”

hawaiidepartmentofagriculture

MDB supports products Made in Hawaii with Aloha! 51% of costs must be incurred in the state. Apply today!

madeinhawaiiwithaloha

Affix this logo to produce and floriculture that is grown in Hawaii.

Apply today!

FARMER’S MARKETS

Support Hawaii’s farmers! View our brief listing of Farmers Markets or for more information visit https://ediblehi.com/category/farmers-markets/ and https://hfbf.org/farmers-markets/ .

LOCAL FARMERS, VENDORS AND PRODUCTS DATABASE

If you have a Hawaii-grown or Hawaii-made product and would like to be added to this listing, please visit the database.

FUNDING OPTIONS

USDA: Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)
HDOA: Sponsorship and Product Promotion
USDA: Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP)
HDOA: Micro-Grant for Food Security Program (MGFSP) – see top of page

TRADESHOWS

MDB Coordinates the following trade shows in Hawaii, the mainland and in global markets. This is a great way to gain connections, make leads, and find new opportunities. Use a quick and easy online booth application form to express your intention to participate. MDB will contact you to discuss the qualifications and application fee. Apply now!

Gulfood 2023, GULFOOD, February 20-24, Dubai, UAE
FOODEX JAPAN 2023 “The 48th International Food and Beverage Exhibition (jma.or.jp) FOODEX Japan, March 7-10, Tokyo, Japan
IFIA JAPAN 2023 IFIA Japan, May 17-19, Tokyo, Japan
National Restaurant Association Show (nationalrestaurantshow.com) National Restaurant Association Show, May 20-23, Chicago, IL
The Global Produce & Floral Show (freshproduce.com) Global Produce & Floral Show, October 19-21, Anaheim, CA

WUSATA (Western United States Trade Association)

Participate in one of the activities below for help to explore, enter, and expand into the global marketplace. For more information about these activities, check the WUSATA website: https://www.wusata.org/.