The Hawaii Department of Agriculture offers direct  loans to full-time farmers.  New Farmer Loans are for applicants who intend to farm full-time. A full-time farmer is a person who devotes most of their time to farming or derives most of their income from farming operations. A down payment or equity contribution equal to 15% of the total project cost is required from the applicant.  Loans of up to a 40 year term may be extended for farm ownership and improvement applicants.  Ten year loan periods are available for financing operating expenses.  Microloans of less less than $25,000 are also available for operating expenses.