MDA Seeking Southern Maryland Nominations for Young Farmers Advisory Board

ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 10, 2008) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture today announced it is seeking nominations to be appointed by Governor Martin O’Malley for the Young Farmers Advisory Board from Southern Maryland to represent the general public.

Potential candidates must be a Maryland resident under the age of 45 years at the beginning of the three-year appointed term; derive at least 50 percent of his/her personnel income from farming or agricultural activities in the state; and be interested in the preservation and development of agriculture.

The primary function of the Board is to:
1.    Identify and address issues relating to young and beginning farmers in the state and make recommendations to the Maryland Agriculture Commission, and
2.    Communicate to the general public, the Federal government, the State government, and Maryland Agriculture Commission the importance of young and beginning farmers to agriculture in the State.

The 12-member Maryland Young Farmers Advisory Board serves to promote Agriculture as a positive contributor to Maryland’s economy, environment, and scenic landscape; and to make recommendations related to economic development and policy issues that will assist young and beginning farmers, and other related businesses in creating and continuing profitable Agriculture throughout the State.

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TWO GRANTS SUPPORT EASTON DAIRY FARM

       Easton, MD (October 20, 2008) – For 3 years Eric and Holly Foster, owners of Chapel’s Country Creamery, have been making high quality artisan cheese from their 110 head of dairy cattle located on Chapel Road in Easton.  Today, USDA Rural Development and the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) announced more than $43,000 in grant funds to help the Fosters move into the future with their cheese business and help pave the way for other farmers who want to add value to their raw milk product.  Chapel’s Country Creamery was 1 of 144 grant recipients in 37 states to receive funding this year through a nationally competitive USDA Rural Development Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program.
        Federal, state, and local officials joined together this morning at the Foster’s farm for the announcement of a $32,500 grant from USDA Rural Development that includes a partial matching grant from MARBIDCO in the amount of $10,833. Click here to read entire article.

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MARBIDCO Announces a New Program: Maryland Vineyard Planting Loan Program

The Maryland Vineyard Planting Loan Fund has been established by MARBIDCO to help meet the unique financing needs of Maryland’s rural landowners wanting to plant vineyards and develop wineries. Vines typically take 3-4 years to produce their first commercial crop, with additional years to reach full maturity.  This program makes available low-interest loans that relate to the installation of new vineyards, including, the prepping of land for vineyard installation, purchase of vines, vineyard equipment and supplies. A major aim of this program is to increase the acreage of viable commercial vineyards in Maryland. Another important objective of this program is to complement the financial services offered by private commercial lenders by helping to make rural enterprise financing both available and affordable. This program is supported by the Maryland Wineries Association and the Maryland Grape Growers Association. Click Here for more information on the program.

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MARBIDCO Announces: 2008 Value Added Producer Grants

MARBIDCO congratulates four Maryland agricultural enterprises on being accepted for funding under the nationwide 2008 Value Added Producer Grant Program offered by USDA Rural Development.  In recognition of this achievement, MARBIDCO is pleased to award each of these rural businesses a matching grant amounting to one-third of the federal grant under the Maryland Value Added Producer Grant Program (MVAPG). The USDA grant awards totaled $445,228 in 2008, and these funds are being matched by $148,409 from MARBIDCO. The MVAPG program is funded from resources provided by the State of Maryland thanks to the strong support of the O’Malley Administration and the Maryland General Assembly. Click here to read the entire article.

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Does your business need assistance with working capital and equipment purchases? 

MARBIDCO offers low-interest loans to qualified food and fiber producers!

The Rural Business Working Capital Loan Fund has been established by MARBIDCO to help meet the unique financing needs of Maryland’s rural businesses including farm, forestry and seafood operations.  This program, working in collaboration with USDA Rural Development and commercial lenders, makes available low-interest loans to qualified applicants for working capital and equipment purchases. The maximum loan amount is $50,000, and a commercial lender must provide a letter of referral.

Call MARBIDCO today to see if this or one of our other
rural business assistance programs can assist you!

MARBIDCO - (410) 267-6807

Click Here to go to the Application

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