MARBIDCO Maryland Producer Cold Storage Grant Program

The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) is offering the Maryland Producer Cold Storage Grant Program to support the purchase and installation of cold storage equipment by Maryland farmers and watermen. MARBIDCO is a state-supported development organization focused on providing financing and business assistance to support Maryland’s food and fiber industries. This particular grant initiative is designed to help producers maintain product quality and expand their operations by facilitating access to reliable cold storage solutions. The grant program offers matching funds for the purchase and installation of cold storage equipment such as walk-in or reach-in refrigerators/freezers, on-boat or on-dock cold storage, ice machines, and on-truck cold storage units. Additionally, costs associated with third-party installation or construction of a cold storage facility are eligible, as long as the equipment is purchased from a licensed retailer. The program does not support private sales, and any purchases made before June 16, 2025 are ineligible. Applicants must provide at least 50% of the total project cost as a matching contribution. The minimum total project size is $1,000, with a minimum grant award of $500 and a maximum of $2,000. Grants are reimbursed upon proof of payment, and acceptable documentation includes paid receipts, zero balance invoices from licensed vendors, or images of cancelled checks. Eligible applicants include Maryland-based farmers and commercial watermen with a minimum of $1,000 in product sales in 2024 or 2025. Acceptable business types include sole proprietorships, partnerships, cooperatives, and LLCs. Agricultural products must be grown on the applicant’s farm, and seafood products must be harvested in Maryland. Additional documentation is required for commercial watermen (e.g., a valid Tidal Fisheries License or equivalent) and shellfish aquaculture farmers (e.g., an active lease number with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources). To apply, applicants must submit a completed and signed application along with supporting documents, including tax returns or third-party sales documentation, project budget with cost estimates, and verification of business good standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. Applications are processed on a rolling basis and must be submitted by August 27, 2025. All purchases or orders must be completed by September 30, 2025. Applications may be submitted electronically to brawlings@marbidco.org or mailed to MARBIDCO, Maryland Producer Cold Storage Grant Program, c/o Brittany Rawlings, 1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21, Annapolis, MD 21403. For more information, applicants may contact MARBIDCO at info@marbidco.org or call (410) 267-6807.

Submit applications early, funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.