In Maryland, several organizations and agencies offer grants and funding opportunities to support agriculture-related initiatives, programs, and projects that promote the sustainability, productivity, and innovation of the state’s agricultural sector. These grants aim to strengthen agricultural businesses, support conservation efforts, and enhance the viability of rural communities. Here are some potential sources of agriculture grants in Maryland:
- Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA):
- MDA administers grant programs to support farmers, agricultural businesses, and conservation efforts across the state. These grants may fund projects related to farm diversification, marketing and promotion, research and innovation, and conservation practices.
- Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF):
- MAERDAF offers grants to support agricultural education, rural development, and agricultural entrepreneurship initiatives in Maryland. These grants may fund agricultural education programs, agritourism projects, and value-added agriculture ventures.
- Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program:
- MACS provides cost-share funding to farmers to implement conservation practices that improve water quality and reduce nutrient runoff from agricultural land. These practices may include cover cropping, streamside buffers, and nutrient management planning.
- Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF):
- MALPF offers grants and funding opportunities to support agricultural land preservation efforts in Maryland. These grants may fund the purchase of agricultural easements to permanently protect farmland from development.
- Maryland Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program:
- Maryland SARE offers grants to support research, education, and outreach projects that promote sustainable agriculture practices and systems in Maryland. These grants may fund on-farm research, farmer education programs, and sustainable agriculture demonstrations.
- Maryland Food System Resiliency Grants:
- The Maryland Food System Resiliency Grants program offers funding to support projects that enhance the resiliency and sustainability of Maryland’s food system, including agriculture production, distribution, and access initiatives.
- Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO):
- MARBIDCO offers loans, grants, and other financial assistance programs to support agricultural and resource-based businesses in Maryland. These programs may fund infrastructure improvements, value-added processing facilities, and business development initiatives.
- Chesapeake Bay Trust (CBT):
- CBT offers grants to support conservation and restoration projects that benefit the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed, including agricultural conservation practices that improve water quality and habitat.
- USDA Rural Development Grants:
- USDA Rural Development offers grants and funding opportunities to support rural communities and agricultural businesses in Maryland. These grants may fund infrastructure projects, business development initiatives, and community facilities in rural areas.
- University of Maryland Extension (UME):
- UME offers grants and funding opportunities to support agricultural research, education, and outreach programs that serve Maryland farmers and communities. These grants may fund extension projects, farmer education workshops, and applied research initiatives.
When seeking agriculture grants in Maryland, farmers, agricultural businesses, and organizations should carefully research each funding opportunity, review eligibility criteria, and application requirements. Additionally, they should consider collaborating with other stakeholders, agricultural organizations, and research institutions to develop competitive grant proposals and leverage resources to support the sustainability and viability of Maryland’s agricultural sector.