Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Kauai County
Kauai County is part of the Humid and Very Humid Steep and Very Steep Mountain Slopes land resource region (MLRA 164). The county's mean elevation is about 828 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Kauai County sees 75.5 in of rain, a 70.9°F mean annual temperature.
Kauai County carries 9,673 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 88,098 acres. 524 farms operate in the county, averaging 249 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Garden Isle |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables, Floriculture, Poultry, Goats, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14
Your Local USDA Offices
Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS (conservation programs like EQIP and CSP) and FSA (loans, disaster assistance, farm numbers). Here are the offices serving Kauai County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
4334 Rice St Ste 104, Lihue, HI 96766
Office info is from USDA’s published directory. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.
What to do when you call: Ask to schedule a meeting with a conservation planner (for EQIP/CSP) or a loan officer (for FSA programs). Mention the type of operation you run and what improvements you're considering.
Programs for Kauai County Operations
Based on Kauai County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support seed crop production, traditional taro farming restoration, and hurricane recovery assistance due to the island's exposure to Pacific storms. Special focus on protecting agricultural lands from development pressure and maintaining water resources for irrigation systems.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. Two minutes, personalized action packet.
Local Conservation Priorities
Each county's NRCS Local Working Group sets the conservation practices that score highest for EQIP funding. Knowing your county's priorities before you apply can significantly improve your ranking.
How to find your county's priorities:
- Call your local NRCS office and ask: "What practices is the Local Working Group prioritizing this year?"
- Ask which EQIP ranking pool your operation fits (there may be separate pools for livestock, cropland, forestry, etc.)
- Check your state NRCS website for published ranking criteria
Your Next Steps in Kauai County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Hawaii guide: Hawaii Farm Programs Guide
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