State offers producers reimbursement for compost costs

The state Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for a program that offers reimbursements to agricultural producers for the cost of purchasing compost, including transportation expenses.

In November, Gov. David Ige released $500,000 for the Compost Reimbursement Program’s fiscal year 2023. Under the program, farming and landscaping operations may apply for reimbursement up to 50 percent of the cost of compost purchased between July 1, 2022 and May 1, 2023. Reimbursements may not exceed $50,000 per qualified purchaser.

“The cost of compost is a major expenditure for many farming operations,” Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture, said in a news release Tuesday. “This reimbursement program was originally established in 2018 and ran through part of 2020; however, was not able to be funded during the pandemic. The resumption of funding for the program will continue the needed support for Hawaii agriculture.”

Compost must be purchased from a certified processor, retailer or wholesaler licensed to do business in Hawaii. In addition, certified Hawaii processors are limited to companies regulated under the state Department of Health Solid Waste Management Program.

Qualified agricultural operations include commercial agriculture, aquacultural facilities, livestock, poultry, apiary and landscaping activities. Applicants must also provide a W-9 tax form, sample invoice and proof of compliance with federal, state and county tax and business regulations. The deadline to submit invoices is May 1.

For more information and to download the application forms, go to hdoa. hawaii.gov/pi/main/compost2023/.