Healthy Soils Competitive Fund

The Healthy Soils Competitive Fund, administered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), aims to support the next generation of innovative soil health practices among Maryland farmers. Building on the state’s legacy of environmental stewardship, the program seeks to expand conservation practices that enhance soil structure, increase organic matter, retain water and nutrients, and sequester carbon. Since 2023, it has supported over 50 projects implementing creative approaches such as reduced tillage in vegetable systems, silvopasture for livestock, and on-farm composting upgrades. The program is open to individual farmers or farmer groups operating in Maryland, as well as organizations working with Maryland producers. Eligible applicants must manage agricultural operations with a gross annual income of at least $2,500 (or equivalent donated products for nonprofits) or manage at least 8 animal units. Compliance with Maryland’s nutrient management requirements is mandatory at the time of application, confirmed by a Current Nutrient Management Plan Certification Form. Funding offers up to $50,000 per award, distributed over three years. An initial payment of no more than 30% is disbursed upon agreement signing, with the balance released annually after verified progress. Eligible costs include conservation practice implementation, equipment purchases, relevant staff time, and associated research. The grant does not cover overhead, general farm operations, livestock, imported feed, or soil fertility inputs. Applicants are encouraged to use matching funds or justify purchases of new equipment if necessary. Applications must be submitted between November 3, 2025, and January 9, 2026. Required components include a completed farm information section, project narrative, itemized budget, specific templates for applicable practices, maps, soil tests, and compliance certifications. Submissions may be emailed or mailed to the MDA by the deadline. Selected applicants will be notified around March 30, 2026. Funded projects must commit to three years of practice implementation and allow MDA to conduct site visits and soil sampling. Applicants are expected to contribute to climate data collection and share outcomes to help advance conservation knowledge. Evaluation criteria include innovation, clarity of project scope, technical support, potential for soil health improvement, and outreach efforts. Emphasis is placed on thoughtful integration of the four key principles of soil health: minimizing disturbance, maximizing soil cover, enhancing biodiversity, and maintaining living roots. Funding for this program is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund and the Moore Administration. Questions can be directed to Nick Miller, Healthy Soils Program Specialist, via email at nicholas.miller2@maryland.gov or phone at (410) 841-5866.

Focus narrative on the four soil health principles; justify equipment; clearly describe outreach and project continuation; provide detailed maps and photos; leverage technical expertise and supporting letters.