Attend The CyberAg 2021 Symposium

F3 Tech Accelerator and the Cybersecurity Association of Maryland (CAMI) are co-hosting CyberAg 2021 Symposium on Wednesday, April 14. This is the second virtual event that brings together the agritech and cybertech communities, advancing awareness and understanding about the increased use of data in agriculture and the urgency of protecting that data. Presenters include Granular (a Corteva Agriscience Company), Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Rantizo (a drone spraying platform company having a $7.5m investment from Bayer). Join the as Maryland’s Lieutenant Governor, Boyd Rutherford, kicks off the 2021 CyberAg Symposium, bringing together leaders in agribusiness and cybersecurity to secure the future of agtech. Click here to learn more.

CARES Act Applicants Available for Maryland Fishing Industry

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that applications remain available through February 28, 2021 for economic relief funds for the commercial seafood industry through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES), for those who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The application will be available to eligible members of the seafood industry on the Maryland OneStop website. The deadline to apply is Feb. 28, 2021.

SMADC expands uses for the Southern Maryland Revolving Loan Fund for Agriculture

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) has announced that the Southern Maryland Revolving Loan Fund, created in partnership with MARBIDCO, has expanded the loan uses to include projects that support the region's equine industry and the production of on-farm value-added products. To learn more about this program, click here.

Maryland Farm and Harvest Season 8 Premieres on November 10, 2020

The eighth season of Maryland Farm and Harvest premiere on November 10, 2020 at 7 p.m. on MPT. Learn about Maryland's farms and see agricultural productions in action on the show. View a pdf on it here.

Northeast SARE Invites Farmer Grant Proposals due November 17, 2020

Farmer Grants provide research funds for commercial farms to explore new ideas in almost any aspect of production, marketing and other topics that influence successful farming in the region. The call for proposals, including detailed instructions and supporting documents, are posted on the Northeast SARE website. The proposal is due online by 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, 2020.

Mastering Farm Risk Management Program Kickoff on November 6, 2020

The Univeristy of Maryland Extension and My FaRM are offering an education opportunity for farmers to learn about risk managment in a free new program. The course offers risk management education with 11 classes taking place over eight months. The first class will take place on November 6, 2020 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the UMES Richard A. Henson Center. A special opportunity is also included for farmers who attend eight of these classes in person. A newsletter is available here with detailed information about the class. Go to https://myfarmkickoffclass.eventbrite.com/ to register today.

Produce Safety Alliance Produce Safety Rule Training November 4 and 5, 2020

The Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule requires at least one person from each farm required to comply with the rule to take an FDA approved training on the requirements of the rule. The Produce Safety Alliance Produce Safety Rule Grower training is approved by FDA. MDA has FDA funding to cover the cost of the curriculum and the certificate of course completion from the Association of Food and Drug Officials so the courses can be offered at minimal cost to growers. If you have already taken this course you are not required to take it again. The course is being offered virtually on November 4 and 5, 2020. Further information and registration for the course can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/maryland-fsma-produce-safety-rule-grower-training-tickets-117312267149.

University of Maryland Extension releases New Farmer Fall 2020 Newsletter

The University of Maryland Extension has recently released its Fall 2020 newsletter for Maryland Begininng Farmer Success. In it they feature New Farmer FAQ's, Upcomng Events and Fall Agrtourism in Maryland. Read the newsletter in full here.

MARBIDCO's Small Acreage Next Generation Farmland Acquisition Program Now Open

The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) has announced that the new Small Acreage Next Generation Farmland Acquisition Program (“SANG Program”) is now open, thanks to support from the State of Maryland and the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC). This program, which will accept applications on a monthly basis, is designed to help qualified beginning farmers purchase smaller farm properties that are between 10 to 49 acres in size and who are not eligible for the original Next Generation Farmland Acquisition Program (“Next Gen Program”). To read the full press release, click here. To learn more about applying, click here.

2020 Maryland Shellfish Aquaculture Conference Now open for Registration

The 2020 Maryland Shellfish Aquaculture Conference is now open for registration. The conference will take place on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and it will be presented virtually over zoom. Join the Maryland Shellfish Growers Network and Univeristy of Maryland Extension to learn the latest about the shellfish aquaculture industry, from the latest technology for maximizing efficiency to how to secure financing and protect your farms investments. The conference is free to attend, but requires registration.To learn more and to register, click here.

The 2020 Maryland Value Added Producer Grants for Capital Equipment is Now Available from MARBIDCO

The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) has announced a grant incentive funding opportunity to encourage Maryland's agricultural producers to expand or diversify their business operations by installing capital assets (equipment and fixtures) to make a product that is “value added.” The application for the Maryland Value Added Producter Grants for Capital Equipment grant is now available. Read more about this opportunity on its webpage. Below is the press release, which has more information, and the application.

MARBIDCO and SMADC Partner to Rescue Farmer's Market 'Maryland Market Money' Program

The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) has partnered with the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) to acquire the Maryland Market Money program (MMM), previously run by the now disbanded Maryland Farmers Market Association. Maryland Market Money is a statewide food incentive program that provides a dollar-for-dollar match for purchases made using federal nutrition benefits at select farmers' markets. The goal is to have the program up and running again by July 2020. Read the full press release from SMADC here.

USDA Funding Available to Protect Maryland Family Farms and Wetlands

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is now accepting applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easements Program. State and local governments, non-governmental organizations and private landowners who are interested in protecting and enhancing land through an agricultural or wetland easement are encouraged to contact their local USDA service center to find out how to apply. Application can be found on the NRCS USDA website.

Maryland Farm and Harvest Premieres seventh Season

Maryland Farm and Harvest premieres its seventh season November 12, 2019 on Maryland Public Television. The television series showcases farms all over Maryland, letting viewers get an inside look at various operations. Be sure to tune in at 7pm on Maryland Public Television to learn more about farmers in Maryland! Also check out their facebook page here.

Governor Hogan Announces Pandemic Adjustment Funding for Agricultural, Forestry and Seafood Businesses

Governor Larry Hogan announced today that the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) will receive $2.2 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funds to help Maryland agricultural, forestry and seafood businesses make operational adjustments caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic. MARBIDCO will be using half of the funding to establish a new Pandemic Adjustment Equipment Grant Fund to help Maryland’s food and fiber producers, harvesters and primary processors make necessary adjustments in their business operations which are necessitated by the impact of the pandemic. The program will enable applicants to receive grants for qualifying capital equipment purchases and facility upgrades for on-farm production, processing and storage, as well as wood processing and seafood processing, on the condition that these businesses are making pandemic-related business improvements. Grants ranging from $1,000 up to a maximum of $50,000 (or $75,000 for wood and seafood processors or agricultural cooperatives) are available up to 80% of the eligible project cost. Read the full press release here, or check out the application here.

Grant Opportunity for Young Farmers

The National Young Farmers Coalition is launching a new grant program to help young and beginning farmers and ranchers start-up and grow their businesses. Grants of $5,000 are available for anything that will further applicants’ goals as farmers. Recipients will also receive a one-year membership to the Coalition. The deadline is March 29. Click here to learn more.

Call for Proposals for NE SARE Partnership Grant

The NE SARE Partnership Grant is open and accepting applicants. This grant program funds projects conducted by agricultural service providers working in partnership with farmers to encourage the understanding and widespread use of sustainable techniques. Projects will add to SARE's collective understanding of sustainable agriculture, and strengthen working partnerships between farm service providers. The deadline for the application is April 14, 2020. To learn more, click here.

Maryland Department of Agriculture accepting Applications for 2020 Industrial Hemp Pilot Program

The Maryland Department of Agrigulture is now accepting applicatoins for the 2020 hemp growing season. This program allows eligible farmers to partner with institutions of higher education of the department to grow industrial hemp for research purposes. Farmers interested in growing industrial hemp must partner with an institution of higher education or the Maryland Department of Agriculture to develop a research project and a plan for the use and/or destruction of the crop. Participants can sell their crop for profit at the end of the growing season. Industrial hemp is cultivated for fiber, seed, oil, and other purposes, and federal and state law requires that the concentration of THC must be less than 0.3% in industrial hemp. Applicants will also be required to apply for an FBI criminal background check. Applications are available to download here. More information can also be found on the department's website.

Produce Safety Alliance Produce Safety Rule Training sessions Winter 2019-2020

The Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule requires at least one person from each covered farm to take an FDA approved training on the requirements of the rule. The Produce Safety Alliance Produce Safety Rule training is approved by the FDA. MDA has FDA funding to cover the cost of the curriculum and the certificate of course completion from the Association of Food and Drug Officials so the courses can be offered at minimal cost to growers. If you have already taken this course you are not required to take it again. The course is being offered on January 16, 2020 as an optional event at the Future Harvest annual conference in College Park and registration information can be found here.

The Produce Safety Alliance Produce Safety Rule Grower Training is being offered:

• December 4, 2019: University of Maryland Eastern Shore
• January 16, 2020: Future Harvest annual conference College Park, MD
• January 24, 2020: Harford County
• February 6, 2020: Montgomery County
• March 5, 2020: Garrett County

Visit their website at: www.mda.maryland.gov.

The Maryland Value Added Producer Matching Grant is Now Available!

MARBIDCO has announced a grant funding opportunity to encourage Maryland's agricultural producers to engage in value-added activities and pursue financial support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Value Added Producer Grants Program (USDA-VAPG).  These federal grant funds, which can range up to as much as $250,000, can be used for planning ($75,000 max) or working capital expenses ($250,000 max) in accordance with USDA regulations. Eligible purposes include feasibility studies or business plans, working capital for producing and marketing value-added agricultural products, and for farm-based renewable energy projects. MARBIDCO's deadline to apply is February 20, 2020. Read more about the opportunity here.

Maryland Wine and grape Promotion Fund Accepting Grant Applications

The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Maryland Wine and Grape Growing is accepting grant applications for funding from the Maryland Wine and Grape Promotion Fund, due Dec. 19, 2019. The fund seeks to promote the production and consumption of Maryland wine and increase growth of commercial wine grapes across the state. The Maryland Department of Agriculture receives the applications and disburses grant money to the selected applicants. Proposal guidelines and application forms are available on the department’s website.

Applications must be submitted by Dec. 19, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. For additional information, contact Karen Fedor at karen.fedor@maryland.gov or 410-841-5773.

Senior Programs Officer/Assistant Director Position Opening at MARBIDCO

MARBIDCO is excited to announce that a new position, the Senior Programs Officer/Assistant Director, is opening up at our organization. Qualified candidates are sought for a financial programs credit underwriting and loan servicing management position with a nonprofit economic development organization providing financial assistance to agricultural and resource-based enterprises in Maryland. To find out more about the position of Senior Programs Officer/Assistant director, click here.

Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Program Accepting Proposals, Due Dec. 3

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program has released the call for applications for 2020 Farmer Grant projects. Proposals are due online by 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 3, 2019. Farmer Grants provide research funds for commercial farms on land or sea to explore new ideas in almost any aspect of production, marketing and other topics that influence successful farming in the region. Application materials, including detailed instructions and supporting documents, are posted on the Northeast SARE website at www.northeastsare.org/FarmerGrant.

Regional Meeting for Maryland Farms for Maryland Institutions

Farmers and small business owners are invited to lend their expertise and opinions on how to facilitate better farm-to-school and farm-to-institution sales at a listening sessions being held across the state.These events are being hosted by the Maryland Food for Maryland Institutions Legislative Task Force. Legislative possibilities for the upcoming session will be presented, and participants will have the opportunity to provide feedback.

• November 6, 2019 (6 - 8 p.m.) - Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative Auditorium in Hughesville, Maryland. To participate, please RSVP to info@smadc.com. To view the flyer, click here.
• November 13, 2019 (6 - 8 p.m.) - Caroline County Public Schools Support Services Center (The Old VFW), in Denton, Maryland. For more information, please call Beth Brewster at 410-479-3261.
  
• November 18, 2019 (7 - 9 p.m.) - Harford County Agricultural Center in Street, Maryland. Please RSVP to jcgallion@harfordcountymd.gov.
• December 3, 2019 (6 - 8 p.m.) - Winchester Hall, 3rd Floor Meeting Room, 12 E Church St, Frederick MD. RSVP to kstevens1@frederickcountymd.gov or call 301-600-3037.
• December 2, 2019 (11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) - Maryland Farm Bureau Convention, Ocean City MD.

Why Markets Matter - Regional forestry Meetings Open to Public

The Maryland Forests Association and Maryland Tree Farm Program are co-hosting "Why Markets Matter," a half-day symposium focused on Maryland's forest products industry. Three regional events will take place in October and November with lunch and program followed by a tree farm tour, and a discussion of challeges and opportunities for tree farmers today. The events are free, but registration is required.

• Thursday, October 3 (12 - 3 p.m.) - 176 Benneman Road, Bittinger, MD 21522. Includes farm tour of Rocky Resolve Tree Farm.
• Thurday, October 10 (12 - 3 p.m.) - 7745 Whitetail Place, La Plata, MD 2064. Includes tour of a southern Maryland tree farm.
• Thurday, November 7 (12 - 3 p.m.) - 355 Winter Quarters Drive, Pocomoke City, MD 21851. Includes a tour of an Eastern shore tree farm.

Maryland Department of Agriculture hosting Listening Sessions

Together with the Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology,  the Maryland Department of Agriculture is working to develop a statewide strategic plan for Maryland agriculture. Four regional meetings around the state are scheduled to gain feedback and input from stakeholders to be included in the plan. The meetings are open to anyone. Farmers, watermen, producers and agricultural leaders are encouraged to attend. Information for the upcoming meetings are as follows:

• Tuesday, September 17 (7 - 9 p.m.) - Charles County Soil Conservation District - 4200 Gardiner Rd, Waldorf, MD 20601
• Wednesday, September 18 (7 - 9 p.m.) - Washington County Agricultural Education Center - 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro MD 21713-2431
• Monday, September 30 (7 - 9 p.m.) - Chesapeake College Eastern Shore Higher Education Center - 1000 College Circle, Wye Mills, MD 21679
• Tuesday, October 1 (7 - 9 p.m.) - Maryland State Fairgrounds Administration Building - 2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093

Space is limited and it is encouraged for those who want to attend any of the regional sessions to RSVP to Lindsey Palmer at lindsey.palmer@maryland.gov or 410-841-5831 as soon as possible.

Maryland’s Value Added Producer Grants for Capital Equipment Now Open

The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) has announced a matching-grant incentive funding opportunity to encourage Maryland's agricultural producers to expand or diversify their business operations by installing capital assets option (equipment and fixtures) to make a product that is value added. The application for the Maryland Value Added Producer Grants for Capital Equipment grant is now available. Read more about this opporunity on its webpage or checkout the application below:

Forest Action Plan Sessions

The Maryland Department of Nautral Resources, along with the Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology of the University of Maryland, will host six public listening sessoins in May to aid in the development of Mryland Forest Service's 2020 Forest Action Plan (FAP). This plan assesses the state of forest resources and lay out strategies for addresing foresty priorities in the state. These listening sessions allow stakeholders to give feedback on how FAP should be structed and what it should include.

Report released analyzing contributions of agriculture in metropolitan area

On March 1, 2019 the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments released their What Our Region Grows report, examining agriculture in the metropolitan area. The report highlights the importance of agriculture for regional jobs and economic growth, and reveals challenges in the sector. Read more about the report here.

Maryland’s Next Generation Farmland Acquisition Program Now Open

The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) has announced that the Maryland Next Generation Farmland Acquisition Program is now accepting applications for its 2019 summer round. The “Next Gen” Program is designed to help qualified young and beginning farmers who seek to purchase farmland but need some specialized financial assistance to enter (or continue in) the agricultural profession in exchange for helping to preserve the farmland. The applicatoin is available below:

MARBIDCO Loan Administration Job announcement

MARBIDCO has a Loan Administration job opening at the Annapolis office. Qualified candidates are sought for a part-time loan (and grant) servicing position with a nonprofit economic development organization providing financial and business development assistance to agricultural and resource-based businesses in Maryland. To learn more about the job or apply, please read the attachment available below. If interested please supply the materials listed on the flyer no later than March 31, 2019.

On Farm Readiness Review - Produce Safety and Demo Training

The Maryland Department of Agriculture, University of Maryland Plant Sciences and University of Maryland Extension are  offering individualized On Farm Readiness Reviews to assist growers in complying with the Produce Safety Rule. An expert team reviews your farm with you to determine if your current practices are compliant and provides follow up technical assistance for areas that may need improvement. The reviews are non regulatory and are intended to assist growers with compliance prior to being inspected. This training includes updates on the Produce Safety Rule and actual demos of an On Farm Readiness Review on UMD's Upper Marlboro research farm. See below for registration info.

Natural Dyeing Initiative – Deadline for Proposal Submission Extended

The Natural Dyeing Initiative has extended the deadline for Proposal Submission to February 15, 2019. The Request for Proposal is for a farmer to establish, maintain and deliver Natural Dye plant products by transforming a portion of a vacant lot in West Baltimore. Learn more about the Natural Dyeing Initiative by clicking the links below:

Also, to view the Initiative's responses to bidders questions, please click on the link below

Good Agricultural Practices Trainings offered in next month

Two basic Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) courses and one advanced course is being offered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture and the University of Maryland Extension. The trainings focus on produce safety, satisfying buyer requirements and maintaining a food safety certification. Basic trainings are being offered in both at the Wye Research center on February 25, and at the Baltimore City Extension Office on March 18. The advanced course is being offered at the Maryland Department of Agriculture on February 27. Learn more about the course at the Wye Research Center here, the Baltimore Extension office here and the advanced training course being held at the MDA here.

Responses to Bidders Questions Now Available For Natural Dyeing Initiative

The Natural Dyeing Initiative has released the responses to submitted questions in reference to the Request for Proposal. The Request for Proposal is still available for a farmer to establish, maintain and deliver Natural Dye plant products by transforming a portion of a vacant lot in West Baltimore. The deadline to submitted the Request for Proposal is January 31, 2019. To view the responses to bidders questions, please click on the link below.  

Also, learn more about the Natural Dyeing Initiative by clicking the links below.

MARBIDCO Executive Director Steve McHenry presents at CASA Future Harvest 2019 Conference

At the CASA Future Harvest 2019 Conference, held January 18-19, 2019, Executive Director Steve McHenry gave a presentation about MARBIDCO and several financial programs offered, including the Next Generation Farmland Acquisition Program, the Maryland Resource-Based Industry Financing Fund and the Maryland Urban Agriculture Commercial Lending Incentive Grant. The presentation is available below.

Request For Proposals Now available for Natural Dyeing Initiative

A Request for Proposal is now available for a farmer to establish, maintain and deliver Natural Dye plant products by transforming a portion of a vacant lot in West Baltimore. The lot will be transformed into a demonstration urban farm that produces crops to make natural dyes for artistic, educational and commercial use. Partners of the initiative include the Maryland Department of Commerce (through the Maryland State Arts Council), the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO), the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC), the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and Coppin State University.

Learn more about the Natural Dyeing Initiative by clicking the links below.

 

MARBIDCO 2018 Annual Report Available online

The Maryland's Agriultural Resource Based Industry Development Corporation's 2018 Annual Report is now available online.The report has data on the past years accomplishments, and highlights the Next Generation Land Acquisition Program. Several farming families are also highlighted in the report.

To read the 2018 annual report, click here.

MARBIDCO featured in PEW article about Young Farmers

On December 13, 2018, MARBIDCO was highlighted as a part of an article, "Young Farmers Can't Farm Without Land," written by April Simpson and published on the PEW website. the article focuses on  the cost of farmland and how it can be difficult for new farmers to start. MARBIDCO's Next Genertaion  Farmland Acquisition Program is highlighted in the article as a program geared towards beginning farmers looking to purchase land. Read the article in full here.

Maryland’s Next Generation Farmland Acquisition Program Now Open

The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) announced that the Next Generation Farmland Acquisition Program (“Next Gen Program”) will reopen for a second round this fall to help qualified young and beginning farmers who seek to purchase farmland, but need some specialized financial assistance to enter (or continue in) the agricultural profession in exchange for helping to preserve the farmland.

Read more about this opportunity in the press release below, and make contact with county preservation staff by Friday, October 19, 2018. The deadline for the application is Tuesday, November 20, 2018.

The 2018 Maryland Value Added Producer Grants for Capital Equipment is Now Available from MARBIDCO

The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) has announced a grant incentive funding opportunity to encourage Maryland's agricultural producers to expand or diversify their business operations by installing capital assets (equipment and fixtures) to make a product that is “value added.” The application for the Maryland Value Added Producter Grants for Capital Equipment grant is now available. Read more about this opportunity on its webpage. Below is the press release, which has more information, and the application.

Northeast SARE's Farmer Grant Applications due November 27

The next round of Northeast SARE's Farmer Grant proposals will be due by midnight on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, and applications are now being accepted! The grant program is used to fund projects by commercial farmers, explores new production techniques, market practices and sustainable approaches of interest to the farming community in our region. These projects are often conducted through experiments, trials, surveys and on-farm demonstrations. Find out more about the grant at the SARE website.

Food For Profit: Introduction to stating a Food Business

Have you ever been told that your favorite homemade bread, or salsa, is “good enough to sell?” Do you have additional fruit or vegetables from your farm or home garden that you would like to make into a commercial product? Food for Profit is a one-day workshop designed to help you work through the maze of local and state regulations, food safety issues, and business management concepts that all must be considered in setting up a commercial food business. The course will be held at the Prince George's Soil Conservation District, 5301 Marlboro Race Track Rd, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 on Tuesday, December 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This session of Penn State Extension's popular course has been specifically adapted to Maryland's food production regulations, food entrepreneurial resources, and marketing opportunities.

For more information, and to register, go to https://go.umd.edu/PGCFood4Profit, or contact Kim Rush Lynch, an agriculture marketing specialist, at 301-868-8780.

For more information, and to register, go to https://go.umd.edu/PGCFood4Profit, or contact Kim Rush Lynch, an agriculture marketing specialist, at 301-868-8780. More information is also available in this brochure and in their agenda.

Fall/Winter Training Session November 7 in Cambridge

The first of our fall/winter training sessions will be held on November 7, 2018 in Cambridge. The training will consist of the Produce Safety Alliance Produce Safety Rule curriculum that FDA has approved as meeting the training requirements of the rule. Attendees will receive an Association of Food and Drug Officials training certificate to document their compliance with the training requirements of the rule. This is the same course that has been offered the past two years so if you already have your certificate there is no need to attend again.

Please contact produce.safety@maryland.gov or deanna.baldwin@maryland.gov if you have any questions. View more information about the announcement here.

Mathias Agriculture Energy Efficnecy Program Now Open

The Maryland Energy administration (MEA) has lanuched the Fiscal Year (FY)2019 Kathleen A. P. Mathias Agriculture Energy Efficiency Program. A total of $175,000 dollars funding is available in the program. Based on funding availability, MEA will provide grants on a competitve basis to farms/business in the agricultural sextor to cover up to 50% of the cost of eligible energy efficiency upgrades, if applicable, after all other incentives have been applied. Projects must be cost effective, with a total simple payback 15 years or less. Applications must be submitted by Friday, November 16, 2018.

This program is named in memory of Kathy Mathias, a leading advocate of the Eastern shore and wife of Maryland State Senator James N. Mathias. Learn more about this opportunity here.

Maryland Value Added Producer Matching Grants Available From MARBIDCO

September 19, 2017 – The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) has announced a grant funding opportunity to encourage Maryland's agricultural producers to engage in value-added activities and pursue financial support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Value-Added Producer Grants Program (USDA-VAPG). The USDA-VAPG is a highly competitive nationwide grants program with approximately $18 million available for distribution in 2018. These federal grant funds, which can range up to as much as $250,000, can be used for planning or working capital expenses in accordance with USDA regulations. Eligible purposes include feasibility studies or business plans, working capital for producing and marketing value-added agricultural products, and for farm-based renewable energy projects.

MARBIDCO is making available Maryland Value Added Producer Matching Grants (MVAPMG) of up to 15% of the amount of a USDA-VAPG award to help an eligible applicant meet the one-for-one non-federal financial matching requirement (with a cap of $25,000). All applicants that meet the MARBIDCO requirements will receive a commitment of matching funds to be included with their federal USDA-VAPG application. A MVAPMG monetary award from MARBIDCO will only be provided to an applicant that is selected to receive USDA-VAPG funding.     

The application submission deadline for the national USDA-VAPG program was January 31, 2018. Questions regarding the USDA-VAPG can be addressed to the Maryland/Delaware Office of USDA - Rural Development at 302-857-3629, or visit USDA’s website for more information: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-business-development-grants.

Applicants seeking to receive a commitment of matching funds from MARBIDCO must submit an application at least two weeks prior to the federal submission deadline. The deadline for the submission of hand-delivered MARBIDCO applications was Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. (or by mail, postmarked no later than January 16, 2018).

MARBIDCO Announces Maryland Value Added Producer Grant Program Recipients

December 19, 2016 – The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) announced today the recipients of a total of $164,445 in grant awards that will help a number of agricultural businesses with implementing value-added projects located in nine counties around Maryland. Sixteen project requests were submitted in a competitive process and thirteen were approved for funding.

The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) grant incentive funding opportunity encourages Maryland's agricultural producers to expand or diversify their business operations by installing capital assets (equipment and fixtures) to make a product that is “value added.” MARBIDCO offers grants of between $2,500 and $15,000, distributed on a competitive basis, for capital projects that help farmers, forest product operations, and seafood processors to expand or diversify their business operations. The financial match required from the rural business must be at least equal to the amount requested from MARBIDCO.

The following is a brief overview of the thirteen projects selected to receive grants under the MVAPG-CAO program:

• Southern Maryland Wine Growers Cooperative ($10,012) – Matching funds to increase capacity of an existing wine tasting room and purchase equipment in St. Mary’s County.
• Fox Meadow Produce, LLC ($15,000) – Matching funds to purchase a produce shrink wrap machine for targeted sales in Talbot County.
• Tobacco Barn Distillery, LLC ($15,000) – Matching funds to purchase barrels for distilling product and a security system in St. Mary’s County.
• Working H Meats & Market, LLC ($7,860) – Matching funds to purchase equipment to be used for meat processing in Garrett County.
• BP Todd & Son, Inc. ($15,000) – Matching funds to replace and upgrade equipment for blue crab meat processing in Dorchester County.
• Walnut Ridge Farm, LLC ($5,500) – Matching funds to purchase equipment and install a commercial kitchen on a farm in Allegany County.
• Battle Creek Beef, LLC ($15,000) – Matching funds to purchase a freezer and food trailer on a farm in Calvert County.
• Lindy’s Seafood, Inc. ($15,000) – Matching funds to purchase a date code machine and an ice machine in Dorchester County.
• Falling Branch Brewery ($15,000) – Matching funds to complete a renovation of a brewery production facility and purchase equipment in Harford County.
• The Flower Barn ($8,741) – Matching funds to construct a facility for floral design and cut flower storage in Caroline County.
• Russell Hall Seafood, Inc. ($15,000) – Matching funds to purchase an ice machine for storage of freshly packaged fish bait in Dorchester County.
• The JM Clayton Co., Inc. ($12,332) – Matching funds to purchase equipment to separate crab meat from shell in Dorchester County.
• Painted Sky Fiber Mill, LLC ($15,000) – Matching funds to purchase a large carder/fiber separator on an alpaca farm in Cecil County.

Maryland Dept of Agriculture Request For Proposals: Manure Management Technologies

December 15, 2016 – The Maryland Department of Agriculture has issued a grant solicitation for demonstration projects from vendors, businesses, and individuals offering technologies that can improve the management and utilization of manure and other nutrient-rich, on-farm generated waste products. Nutrients are a major source of pollution in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Maryland and the other Bay jurisdictions are working to reduce the amount of nutrients—mainly nitrogen and phosphorus—from entering the Bay in order to meet the 2025 clean water goals established by the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). While poultry litter and livestock manure make excellent fertilizers and soil amendments, their use as a crop fertilizer creates challenges for farms with high soil phosphorus levels. To help these producers protect waterways from excess phosphorus and remain profitable, Maryland is investing in innovative technologies that support new uses for manure such as alternative product development and manure-to-energy projects that add value to the farm business model. Maryland farmers have long been leaders in managing nutrients, demonstrating that it is possible to be profitable and conservation-minded at the same time.

Since 1998, Maryland farmers have been required to follow nutrient management plans when fertilizing crops and managing animal manure. In 2015, Maryland farmers began transitioning to the Phosphorus Management Tool, an updated tool that identifies areas where there is a high risk for phosphorus runoff. Maryland’s Animal Waste Technology Fund is a grant program that provides seed funding to companies that demonstrate innovative technologies to manage or repurpose manure resources. The program is a key component of Governor Larry Hogan’s broader Agriculture Phosphorus Initiative to improve water quality, strengthen agriculture, and bolster rural economies. The Fund has $3 million available to invest in innovative technologies during State Fiscal Year 2017, which ends June 30, 2017. A minimum of $1 million will be directed at projects with a renewable energy component. There is no maximum or minimum request.

2017 Kathleen A.P. Mathias Agriculture Energy Efficiency Program Now Open

October 31, 2016 – Maryland agricultural businesses are invited to compete for grants to support energy efficiency projects or combined energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. For successful applicants, funding will cover up to 50% of the project cost for energy efficiency measures and up to 25% for renewable energy measures, to a maximum total grant of $150,000. Minimum project size is $20,000.

Maryland Value Added Producer Grants for Capital Assets Now Available From MARBIDCO

July 7, 2016 – The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) has announced a grant incentive funding opportunity to encourage Maryland's agricultural producers to expand or diversify their business operations by installing capital assets (equipment and fixtures) to make a product that is “value added.” Eligible applicants must be a crop or livestock producer or processor, agricultural cooperative, seafood processor, or primary or secondary timber products processor, and have been in business for a minimum of two years.

MARBIDCO will offer grants of between $2,500 and $15,000, distributed on a competitive basis, for capital projects that help farmers, forest product operations, and seafood processors to expand or diversify their business operations. The financial match required from the rural business must be at least equal to the amount requested from MARBIDCO.

The submission deadline for applicants seeking to receive Maryland Value Added Producer Grants – Capital Assets Option Program (MVAPG–CAO) grants from MARBIDCO is Tuesday, October 18, 2016; no later than 4:00 p.m. at the MARBIDCO office in Annapolis. (Applications received in the mail with a Friday, October 14, 2016, postmark will also be accepted.) Late applications will not be accepted. Grant award announcements will be made in November 2016.

FY 2017 MAERDAF Open for Applications

May 2016 – The Rural Maryland Council has announced for Fiscal Year 2017 that the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) is now open for applications. The deadline to apply is July 15, 2016. For Fiscal Year 2017, the RMC is particularly interested in proposals that address the following: Agriculture, Energy, Rural Broadband, Healthcare, Youth Engagement and Workforce/Economic Development. Regardless, the Grant Review Board will give full consideration to any application that is submitted. Please visit rmc.mda@maryland.gov for instructions and the application.

Maryland Value Added Producer Matching Grants Now Available From MARBIDCO

April 2016 – The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) has announced a grant funding opportunity to encourage Maryland's agricultural producers to engage in value-added activities and pursue financial support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Value Added Producer Grants Program (USDA-VAPG).  The USDA-VAPG is a highly competitive nationwide grants program with approximately $44 million available for distribution in 2016. These grant funds, which can range up to as much as $250,000, can be used for planning or working capital expenses in accordance with USDA regulations. Eligible purposes include feasibility studies or business plans, working capital for producing and marketing value-added agricultural products, and for farm-based renewable energy projects.

MARBIDCO is making available Maryland Value Added Producer Matching Grants (MVAPMG) of up to 15% of the amount of a USDA-VAPG award to help an eligible applicant meet the non-federal financial matching requirement (with a cap of $25,000). All applicants that meet the MARBIDCO requirements will receive a commitment of matching funds to be included with their federal USDA-VAPG application. A MVAPMG monetary award from MARBIDCO will only be provided to an applicant that is selected to receive USDA-VAPG funding.

The application submission deadline for the national USDA-VAPG program is Friday, July 1, 2016. Questions regarding the USDA-VAPG can be addressed to the Maryland/Delaware Office of USDA-Rural Development at 302/857-3629, or visit USDA’s website for more information: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_VAPG_Grants.html. Also, a useful guide for the USDA-VAPG can be found at http://sustainableagriculture.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2016_4-NSAC-VAPG-Farmers-Guide-FINAL-1.pdf.

Applicants seeking to receive a commitment of matching funds from MARBIDCO must submit an application at least two weeks prior to the federal submission deadline. The deadline for the submission of hand-delivered MARBIDCO applications is Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at 4:00 p.m. (or by mail, postmarked no later than June 13, 2016). Questions about the MVAPMG may also be addressed by contacting a MARBIDCO Financial Programs Specialist, at 410-267-6807.

 

MARBIDCO Has Moved

November 2014 – MARBIDCO has recently moved their offices to a new office suite down the hall from their previous location at Clock Tower Place in Annapolis. 

Please note that all phone numbers and staff e-mail addresses remain the same.

MARBIDCO's address is:

MARBIDCO
1410 Forest Drive
Suite 21
Annapolis, MD 21403