This $234,030 Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Project Grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Business Cooperative Services on September 25, 2023, is being used by the Oahu Agriculture And Conservation Association (OACA) to promote renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements for agricultural producers and rural small businesses in Hawaii.
As a sub-awardee, OACA has collaborated with the University of Hawaii and Lynker Corporation on other USDA-funded projects aimed at improving access to support services and funding opportunities for limited English speaking/immigrant farmers and historically underserved producers in the state. These projects involve outreach, education, and event planning in various languages to enhance the sustainability and profitability of farms owned by Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and other socially disadvantaged groups.