Maryland Agriculture Grants

This program provides financial assistance to farmers in Howard County, Maryland, who have suffered losses due to the extreme heat and drought conditions of 2024.

The Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) provides grants to rural-serving nonprofit organizations that promote statewide and regional planning, economic and community development, and agricultural and forestry education. Donor Name: Rural Maryland Council State: Maryland County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: Also eligible are rural community colleges that provide enhanced training and technical assistance to support agricultural and small businesses. The Fund’s goal is to increase the overall capacity of rural-serving nonprofit organizations and community colleges to meet a multitude of rural development challenges and to help them establish new public/private partnerships for leveraging non-state sources of funding. The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) serves as the administrative agency in receiving the applications and disbursing the grants to the successful applicants. Funding Information For Fiscal Year 2025, the State has budgeted $878,964 in General Funds for the MAERDAF program. However, grant awards are subject to funding availability. The maximum grant amount is $45,000. For Fiscal Year 2025, the RMC, as the administrative agent, is encouraging applications that address the following: Agriculture & Forestry Agricultural Education Regional Food System Development Forest Industry Development Energy Combined Heat Power Energy Efficiency Biomass Rural Broadband Rural Broadband Expansion Efforts, including municipal broadband Digital Inclusion Programs Youth Engagement & Leadership Development Career Technology Centers Youth Enrichment Programs, including summer programming Economic Development Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development Education & Workforce Development Regional Marketing Efforts & Tourism Projects Community Development Rural Transportation Housing repairs Housing counseling Poverty Alleviation Efforts. Grant Period August 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. Rural Counties  State-determined rural counties are Allegany, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico and Worcester. Regional projects may include non-rural counties but the majority of service must be provided in rural areas. Eligible Expenditures MAERDAF does not generally fund ongoing staff positions due to sustainability. Grant funds may be used to fund staff time associated with the completion of the proposed project only. Construction and renovation of buildings are eligible expenses. Acquisition of land is not. Please include quotes of expenditures and be shovel-ready. The purchase or rental of vehicles are eligible expenses. Meals are allowable if the costs are reasonable and a justification is provided that such activity maintains the continuity of the meeting and to do otherwise will impose arduous conditions on the meeting participants. Indirect administrative costs are capped at 10%. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) IRS tax designation or similar and serve a regional or statewide rural constituency. Trade associations are not eligible. Community Colleges, Career Technology Centers, Regional Councils, and Libraries are eligible applicants. The applicant does not have to be located in a rural area or in the area it serves. For more information, visit RMC.

This program provides financial support to farms and agricultural businesses in Garrett County, Maryland, to enhance their marketing efforts and boost local agricultural economic activity.

This program provides financial assistance to Maryland farmers and watermen for purchasing and installing cold storage equipment to improve product quality and expand their operations.

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) is offering another round of farmer mini grants. Donor Name: Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission State: Maryland County: Anne Arundel County (MD), Calvert County (MD), Charles County (MD), Prince Georges County (MD), Saint Marys County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/08/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Farmer Mini-Grant program was established by SMADC in 2016 based on feedback heard from the farming community about their needs. SMADC’s mission is to support farms and the future of agriculture in Southern Maryland, and they are committed to expanding and promoting a viable market-driven, sustainable, and profitable agricultural farming community. Funding Information For this 11th round of grants in Spring 2024 $60,000 of funding is available. The projects should be simple in scope and must be successfully completed within one year. SMADC awards will be up to $3,000 per applicant and are a one-to-one dollar match by the farmer. Eligible Projects  Examples of Projects that would be considered: Services or equipment that help transition a farm’s sales strategy such as online sales, home delivery, on-farm sales, etc.; or for other projects that allow farm business to maintain and/or expand sales. Purchase of foundation livestock. Purchase of plant stock. Marketing and promotion of current farm operation. New fencing for enhancement, expansion, or protection. Hoop house. Materials needed for value-added production. Materials needed for on-farm upgrades to enhance food safety. Irrigation installation or upgrades in regard to GAP certification standards, Food Safety Modernization Act Standards (FSMA), chlorination systems, water testing expenses, drip irrigation, greenhouse irrigation, dedicated agricultural water supply, and overhead irrigation, as pertains to current existing wells or water sources. Washing/packing stations. Freezer/Refrigeration. Eligibility Criteria  Does not include non-profits or community organizations. Both Urban and Rural farms are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be living in the State of Maryland and actively farming in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, or St. Mary’s counties. Youth (16 years and older) who are in or have been in FFA, 4-H, agricultural related programs, or classes, or have a farming background are encouraged to apply. The applicant must match funds awarded dollar to dollar. For example, if the applicant is awarded $500, they must put $500 toward the project budget. Matching must be in dollars, not in-kind or labor. No more than one application is awarded per individual or business entity during a 12-month period. Only completed applications with all applicable supporting documentation attached will be considered. For more information, visit SMADC.

This program provides funding to Maryland-based organizations and businesses to develop educational and training initiatives that prepare the workforce for careers in the offshore wind industry.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is currently applications for the 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program. Donor Name: Rural Advancement Foundation International State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: RAFI provides support to Historically Underserved farmers and ranchers  for projects that demonstrate an ability to increase farm viability; establish new markets for local products and services; develop new uses for existing structures and equipment; add value to existing farm products through processing, packaging or marketing; make optimal use of on-farm and natural resources; and Cultural/Heritage projects which are focused on preserving and continuing a specific agrarian tradition.  Funding priority will be given to proposals with: High expected impact on farm viability and sustainability Strong project feasibility and planning: a clear plan, detailed budget and timeline, and all supporting documentation included.  Farmers who earn a significant amount of their household income from the farm operation.  Individual financial need, or location in an economically disadvantaged area Project tangibly benefits the surrounding community Farm uses agroecological and/or or ancestral farming practices  Funding Information Applicants may request up to $10,000 in funding.  Eligibility Criteria You are a historically underserved farmer or rancher, as defined by NRCS.  You are applying as either an individual farmer owner/co-owner or as a farm cooperative If applying as a cooperative or collaborative, at least 50% of the cooperative or collaborative must meet eligibility criteria.  You are in at least your fourth full growing season of farming and have worked at least two years in your current farming operation and location.  You are a “livelihood” farmer/rancher or are seeking a long term career that financially supports you through agriculture  You complete and submit an application by the deadline. You submit only one application (as an individual or a collective). If you submit more than one application, neither will be considered. You have NOT received a RAFI infrastructure grant before (2020-2023).  Your farm is located in one of the following states AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. For more information, visit RAFI.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects throughout the Northeast. Donor Name: Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The goal of this program is to help develop competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability, supporting operations of all sizes in successfully launching and sustaining their products in the marketplace.  This program is for:  Dairy farmers ready to begin processing,  Value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing and/or value-added business startups, including any relevant work experience, business ventures, products developed, and products brought to market, or  Dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in the start-up phase of business development. Funds are intended to support start-up operations, focusing on tangible implementation rather than research and development, concept development, or initial planning. Funding Information Total available funds: $500,000 Minimum: $15,000  Maximum: $75,000 Project Period Grant periods will range from 12 – 18 months, depending on the project.  Eligibility Criteria This grant is open to applicants from all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Applicants must fall into one of the following categories:  Dairy farmer that:  Produces milk within the Northeast  Is a licensed dairy operation in compliance with all required state and federal standards  Value-added business entrepreneur that meets the following requirements:  Sources milk or dairy components from within the Northeast and has evidence of a committed partnership with a farm or processor for sourcing these components  Has a business entity prior to applying  Can demonstrate experience in dairy processing and/or related value-added business startup, including any relevant work experience, business ventures, products developed, and products brought to market  Dairy processor established after January 1, 2023 that:  Has a business entity and milk processing license prior to applying  Sources milk or dairy components from within the Northeast and has evidence of a committed partnership with a farm or processor for sourcing these components.  Is in the start-up phase of business operations All applicants must also:  Be headquartered or based in the Northeast  Provide Proof of Concept demonstrating the viability of the business idea and product  Have a plan for new value-added dairy processing that includes market research, financial projections, a branding and marketing strategy, and a facility location  Obtain licenses to sell dairy products across state lines by the end of the grant period Launch their products in the marketplace or have a Letter of Commitment from a buyer, distributor, or retailer indicating plans to sell the product by the end of the grant period For more information, visit NE-DBIC.

The Research and Education Grant program funds projects that result in gains in farmer knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes that are then applied to make measurable on-farm changes leading to greater sustainability. Donor Name: Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: The focus on farmer behavior change is a key requirement of this grant program. A wide variety of topics can be funded by Northeast SARE, including marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture and much more. Other aspects of projects funded through the Northeast SARE program include those that address climate-smart agriculture practices intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change; increase carbon sequestration; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-smart practices include reduced and no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. In addition, projects may address traditional ecological knowledge. Funding Information Awards typically range from $30,000 to $250,000. Grant Period Typical project length is 2 to 3 years. The maximum project length allowed is 3.5 years. Geographical Focus  The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Eligible Applicants Research and Education Grants are open to anyone who works with farmers, including personnel at nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, municipalities, tribal governments, state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, research farms and experiment stations, for-profit business entities (such as private consultants, farmers and veterinary practices), etc. Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, they encourage projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities. Your organization must have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and implement a Northeast SARE contract, including expending funds needed for the project prior to receiving reimbursements from Northeast SARE; advance payments are not possible. Projects must take place within the Northeast region. Applicants and host organizations may be located outside of the Northeast region if the project activities and the farmers served are located within the Northeast region. For more information, visit Northeast SARE.

This funding initiative provides microgrants to underrepresented artists and makers in Frederick County, Maryland, to support revenue-generating projects that enhance their marketing and online presence.

This funding opportunity supports licensed dairy processors and brands in the Northeast to initiate or expand co-packing arrangements, scale production, and enhance their product offerings.

This funding supports regional planning and development councils in Maryland to enhance economic growth and infrastructure in rural areas, with each council eligible for up to $600,000 to address local challenges.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and community colleges in Maryland that focus on agricultural and forestry education, as well as rural economic and community development initiatives.

This award recognizes and rewards Maryland landowners engaged in farming, ranching, or forestry who demonstrate exceptional voluntary conservation practices that enhance soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Maryland farmers and agricultural organizations for innovative practices that improve soil health and promote agroforestry initiatives.

This funding opportunity supports community organizations in Maryland with projects that promote environmental stewardship, civic engagement, and local solutions to environmental issues through activities like clean-ups, education, and tree planting.

This grant provides financial support to dairy farmers and related organizations in the Northeast to improve farm operations, enhance milk quality, and address climate challenges.

This funding opportunity supports local agricultural producers in Frederick County to expand or diversify their operations, enhancing the economic viability of the agriculture industry.

This funding opportunity supports rural nonprofit organizations and community colleges in Maryland to enhance agricultural education, community development, and public-private partnerships across multiple rural counties.

This program provides funding for community-led projects in Prince George’s County, Maryland, focused on improving water quality and engaging residents in environmental stewardship.