Upper Shore Micro Agricultural Grant Program

The Upper Shore Micro Agricultural Grant Program, now in its sixth round, is a funding initiative jointly administered by Queen Anne’s County Economic & Tourism Development and the Upper Shore Regional Council. It aims to bolster agricultural enterprises in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, by supporting projects that contribute to the expansion, diversification, innovation, and sustainability of local agricultural operations. The program’s administration is rooted in a commitment to advancing rural economic vitality and ensuring that agriculture continues to serve as a cornerstone of the county's economic and cultural fabric. This grant is designed for agricultural businesses that are physically based in Queen Anne’s County and that are actively engaged in farming-related activities. Eligible applicants must fall into one or more specified categories, including crop or livestock production (including equine), agricultural product processing, agricultural education or support, agricultural cooperatives, timber production or processing, agritourism, and aquaculture. The focus is specifically local—only those operating within Queen Anne’s County qualify—ensuring the grant funds are used to support and sustain agriculture in the immediate region. Funding is available for a wide array of project types. Qualifying proposals may include strategic marketing campaigns, implementation of new technology or innovation systems, climate resiliency initiatives, capital improvements related to business startup, expansion, or value-added production, research activities, enhancements to animal welfare, and the development of agritourism ventures. Importantly, this is a cost-reimbursable grant, which means recipients must incur and document their expenses before requesting reimbursement from the grant administrator. The total amount of funding available in this round is approximately $69,000. Individual grants are expected to range from $2,500 to $10,000, and all awards are competitive. Applications will be evaluated by a designated review committee, and decisions will be based on the strength of the proposed project, alignment with program goals, and documentation provided. All applicants are required to submit a complete online application, including a project budget and supporting financial documents such as invoices, quotes, or receipts. Organizational governance documents like Articles of Incorporation or Operating Agreements must also be included where applicable. Applications for Round 6 are currently being accepted and must be submitted no later than February 15, 2026. Technical assistance is available via email through February 6, 2026. Once submitted, applicants will receive a confirmation of receipt and may be contacted with additional questions or to be informed of the committee’s decision. All funded projects must be completed by May 31, 2026, and reimbursement requests must be submitted no later than June 15, 2026. Final grant reports are also due on June 15, 2026. The program does not require matching funds and is not part of a recurring annual cycle at this time. However, applicants should carefully review the full grant guidelines prior to submission to ensure eligibility and compliance with documentation requirements. The program represents a targeted effort to invest in Queen Anne’s County’s agricultural future through direct support to innovative and growth-oriented producers and support organizations.