News
Wood Products Industry Equity Investment Grant Program (WPIEI) Assists Maryland Forestry Businesses to Increase Production and Develop New Markets
MARBIDCO recognizes the importance of the forests products industry from economic, environmental and consumer perspectives, and thus seeks to assist in growing a strong and diversified wood products industry in Maryland. Helping to sustain and grow a healthy forestry industry, investment now will yield substantial longer-term benefits for Marylanders. Recognizing this, the Governor and Maryland General Assembly authorized $500,000 in funding for FY 2024 for MARBIDCO to offer the Maryland Wood Products Industry Equity Incentive Program (WPIEI).
In addition, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is providing an additional $100,000 in funding to target projects that focus on value-added wood products. A product that is value-added has incremental value realized by a wood processor as a result of: 1) a change in physical state of the wood fiber; 2) highly differentiated production or marketing of wood products; and 3) an economic benefit realized from the production of biomass energy.
“MARBIDCO aims to assist Maryland’s forestry businesses with improving operations and efficiency, increasing productivity and employment opportunities, and supporting new markets development,” said MARBIDCO Executive Director, Steve McHenry.
Key objectives for this program are to stimulate the strengthening of markets for Maryland-grown wood and diversification of the types of products made. WPIEI will help Maryland wood fiber harvesters, processors and manufacturers engage in increased production and utilization of locally sourced wood fiber, improve business operations and efficiency, and the pursuit of new market opportunities.
MARBIDCO will match up to 25% of the total project cost, with a maximum grant award not to exceed $50,000 (although value-added projects could receive up to $100,000). All equipment purchases must be made (and facility improvement contracts let) by no later than April 15, 2024. Grant funds and matching funds must be used for equipment projects and capital asset purchases that have a useful life of seven years or more.
Examples include, but are not limited to, wood processing equipment and facilities, sawmills, dry kilns, skidders and in-woods chippers, primary and secondary wood processing equipment, optimization systems for maximizing fiber yield recovery, shavings, pellet mills, and sawdust dryers and other capital equipment that is designed specifically for use in the forest products industry. Any equipment or capital asset purchases made before October 1, 2023, are ineligible for this program. For a list of ineligible items please review the application from.
Commercial wood processing enterprises may apply for equipment and facilities project incentive grant funding to process or manufacture the following primary and secondary forest products: lumber, pilings, logs, firewood, mulch, pellets, shavings, veneers, flour, sawdust, plywood, millwork, CLT, and furniture (using Maryland-produced wood).
An ancillary objective of this program is to complement the financi offered by private commercial lenders by leveraging funds to facilitate larger scale projects which will enable industry growth.
Eligibility includes:
- Eligible projects for tangible equipment purchases and facilities improvement costs.
- Eligible applicants may apply for incentive grants for a wide range of equipment and capital asset purchases of specialized forestry and logging equipment and small- and large-scale wood processing equipment.
- Eligible applicants include commercial timber harvesters, and primary or secondary wood products processors. Forest harvesters are also eligible to apply.
- An applicant should be sure to highlight in their applications how the utilization of their grant award would serve to increase the production and utilization of locally sourced wood fiber, improve business operations and efficiency, create/retain jobs, and/or aid in serving new markets.
Competition for this grant funding is expected to be high and it is anticipated that eligible requests will exceed the amount of funds available to distribute in FY 2024.
For applicants with a focus on value-added processing, applications should demonstrate how the financial assistance will help support, stimulate and market innovative and creative ways to enhance production of value-added wood products. Value-added projects could include the purchase of a dry kiln or the production of biochar, for example. Sawmills and secondary manufacturers that will use grant funds to purchase equipment to improve optimization systems will also be considered. An example could include a 3-D log scanning coupled with computer-aided design to determine the best sawing solution. A biomass energy-related project could also be eligible.
The application submission deadline is December 15, 2023. Applicants will be notified by March 1, 2024, if they have been approved. Electronic submissions of applications are encouraged. Applications received in the U.S. Mail and postmarked no later December 15, 2023, will also be accepted. Mail to MARBIDCO, WPIEI, c/o Brian Cadden, 1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21, Annapolis, MD 21403. Applications are available at https://www.marbidco.org/_pages/applications/applications_and_forms.htm For more information, please contact Brian Cadden at 410-267-6807, or by email at: bcadden@marbidco.org.
MARBIDCO offers a New Maryland Shucking House loan Fund to Help Finance the Cost of Eligibke Seafood Processing Projects
The Maryland Oyster Shucking House Loan Fund has been established by MARBIDCO to help finance the cost of eligible seafood processing projects, including those at historic oyster shucking houses, and to facilitate an increase in the amount of oyster shells retained in the State and returned to the Chesapeake Bay.
As a result of legislation enacted in 2022, $1 million has been included in the MARBIDCO FY 2024 budget for the new Oyster Shucking House Loan Fund program. This legislation enables MARBIDCO to offer loans of up to $250,000 to finance the eligible costs of qualifying oyster processing business projects (under certain terms and conditions).
Loan proceeds can be used to renovate or construct a new oyster processing facility or expand an existing one, as well as purchase oyster processing equipment.
Eligible applicants must have been a licensed Maryland Seafood Dealer for at least five years OR be a Tidal Fisheries License holder for at least five years and agree to obtain a Seafood Dealer License if approved for financing.
Loan amounts can range from a minimum of $25,000, up to a maximum of $250,000 (which is dependent upon the number of full-time jobs being created or retained – for each $25,000 in financing provided at least one full-time job must be created or retained). The MARBIDCO loan interest rate is only 3.25% (fixed). The loan origination fee is being waived for this program and some loan forgiveness is available to borrowers based on the amount of oyster shell returned to the Department of Natural Resources.
At least 3% of a project’s total cost must be provided by the borrower as an equity contribution towards the completion of the project. For projects located in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Cecil, Charles, Kent, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s or St. Mary’s counties, MARBIDCO will match on a dollar-for-dollar basis the borrower’s equity contribution up to 5% of the project cost (with a cap of $12,500) with grant funds provided by two Maryland rural regional councils: Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission or Upper Shore Regional Council
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient working capital is available to run the oyster processing operation. Submission of a business plan, including financial projections, is required. Applicants must also have paid all applicable taxes and fees for the last five years.
The deadline to submit applications is December 1, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. For an application, visit https://www.marbidco.org/_pages/programs_loans/loan_programs_oyster_shucking_house.htm
For more information about the Maryland Oyster Shucking House Loan Fund, contact Stacy Kubofcik, MARBIDCO Senior Programs Manager, by email at skubofcik@marbidco.org or by telephone at (410) 267-6807. Electronic applications are encouraged. The mailing address is MARBIDCO, Maryland Oyster Shucking House Loan Fund, c/o Stacy Kubofcik, 1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21, Annapolis, MD 21403.
USDA Awards MARBDICO with Funding to Assist with the Expansion of Livestock Processing Capacity in Maryland
ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 14, 2023) – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that it is awarding $3.8 million from its Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP) to the Maryland Agricultural Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) to finance the start-up and expansion of independent meat and poultry processing facilities in Maryland. MARBIDCO is a quasi-governmental economic development and financial intermediary organization with a mission to serve the commercial farming, forestry, and seafood industries of Maryland.
The USDA Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP) awards funds to financial intermediaries, like MARBIDCO, in the form of a grant to allow them to establish specialized revolving loan programs. The objective of the MPILP is to strengthen the financing capacity for small- and mid-sized independent meat processors, and to create a more resilient, diverse, and secure U.S. food supply chain.
MARBIDCO is supplementing the USDA grant with another $1.3 million of its own funds to establish a special pool of lending capital of approximately $5 million. The Maryland Livestock Processing Loan Fund is designed to assist with the expansion of livestock and blue catfish processing capacity in Maryland. Farmers raising cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs still are facing very long lead times to get their animals processed, while blue catfish is an invasive fish species in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries that is having a very detrimental impact on other species of fish and shellfish. Increasing commercial harvest and consumption of these catfish is one way to significantly reduce their numbers.
Businesses engaged in the processing of livestock, or the invasive blue catfish can apply for a Maryland Livestock Processing Loan, which may also include an equity incentive grant of up to 10% of the project cost. Loan and grant proceeds can be used to purchase livestock processing and cold storage equipment, build or upgrade meat processing facilities, as well as purchase real estate on which the livestock processing activity will occur.
MARBIDCO’s Livestock Processing Loan Fund can offer standalone financing or work in conjunction with other financing provided by commercial lenders.
“This should be an incredible win for Maryland. The addition of new or significantly expanded meat processing facilities will positively impact many people within the food supply chain, from farmers and commercial fisherman to consumer’s tables with these locally produced protein products,” said MARBIDCO Executive Director, Steve McHenry. “We are delighted to be a USDA grant recipient, and we want to thank the Maryland Department of Agriculture and our State’s entire Congressional Delegation for their support of our application in what was a very competitive nationwide process.”
Loan amounts can range from a minimum of $250,000 up to a maximum of $2,500,000. MARBIDCO will charge a below-market fixed interest rate of 4.00% and will work cooperatively with borrowers on establishing other appropriate loan terms and conditions. An equity contribution of at least 7.5% of a project’s total cost is required by the borrower (which can be matched dollar-for-dollar with a grant, not to exceed 10% of the project’s total cost). The available equity grant match is coming from special funds appropriated to MARBIDCO by the State of Maryland to help enhance livestock processing capacity and cut down on long wait times.
Further information and the program application form is available on MARBIDCO’s website: www.marbidco.org.
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MARBIDCO was established by the Maryland General Assembly more than 15 years ago to help enhance the sustainability and profitability of the State’s agricultural and resource-based industries in order to help bolster rural economies, support locally produced food and fiber products, and preserve working farm and forest land. MARBIDCO is a nimble, quasi-public financial intermediary organization that has a mission to serve exclusively the commercial farming, forestry, and seafood industries of Maryland. Young and beginning farmers are a special focus for MARBIDCO, as is farm operation diversification. In delivering its financing programs, MARBIDCO works cooperatively with commercial banks and farm credit associations, as well as a host of federal, State, regional, and local government agencies, and universities. Since 2007, MARBIDCO has approved some 1,240 financings totaling over $100 million for food and fiber business projects located in all of Maryland’s 24 counties – and in the process has leveraged more than $214 million in commercial lender financing. For more information about MARBIDCO’s programs, please visit: www.marbidco.org
MARBIDCO’s Sierra Criste to attend New Century Farmer Conference July 23-27 in Iowa
Annapolis, MD, July 18, 2023 – Each year the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Organization selects an elite group of its FFA alumni between the ages of 18 and 24 to attend its New Century Farmer Conference. Sierra Criste, Financial Programs Associate with the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Corporation (MARBIDCO) in Annapolis, is one of 42 young men and women from across the country selected to participate in this year’s event from July 23-27 in Des Moines, Iowa.
The New Century Farmer conference represents the essence of production agriculture through this select group of FFA Alumni. During the five-day conference, participants advance leadership, personal, and career skills while learning from other future producers and industry experts.
“The conference is free of charge for all participants, we only pay for our transportation to the conference. We will visit industry-leading companies like John Deere and Corteva Agriscience, talk with industry experts, and connect with peers who are future leaders in U.S. agriculture,” says Ms. Criste.
The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) presented Ms. Criste with a scholarship to pay for her travel expenses and attend the conference. SMADC’s purpose is to support farms and the future of agriculture in Southern Maryland and to expand and promote a viable and profitable agricultural farming community with a focus on the counties of Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s. SMADC provides small grants, marketing support, and other business development assistance to area farmers.
Ms. Criste told the scholarship committee, “I have a desire to grow my leadership and personal skill set. The new knowledge will allow me to become a better advocate for agriculture at the local, state, and national level. The conference will benefit myself, as well as being able to cultivate new and innovative ideas to aid producers in expanding their rural ventures, not only in agriculture, but forestry and aquaculture, a mission of my position at MARBIDCO. It is imperative that we have individuals in the supportive industries that are knowledgeable about the current U.S. agricultural climate with a network of future leaders, and I would be honored to be one of those individuals.”
Ms. Criste, who joined the MARBIDCO staff in August 2022, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal and Poultry Sciences, with a minor in Agribusiness Management, from Virginia Tech. She was raised in southern Anne Arundel County where she actively participated in 4-H and FFA and grew her passion for agriculture.
Participants at the New Century Farmer Conference are chosen to attend after the FFA Alumni and Supporters Team goes through the applications to select those that have an interest in agriculture production, starting their own operation or running a current family business. “We look for applicants that come from generation farms or are wanting to start their own farm. If they do not have either, we look for those who are interested in ag education as they are able to see the production aspect and bring it back to the classroom,” said Emma Mendez, program manager, FFA Alumni and Supporters in Indianapolis, IN.
This year there are 20 female participants and 23 males. Conference participants represent a wide range of agriculture career cluster interests as well as supervised agricultural experiences, with the majority of attendees interested in ownership and entrepreneurship, as well as agribusiness and animal careers.
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MARBIDCO was established by the Maryland General Assembly more than 15-years ago to help enhance the sustainability and profitability of the State’s agricultural and resource-based industries in order to help bolster rural economies, support locally produced food and fiber products, and preserve working farm and forest land. MARBIDCO is a nimble, quasi-public financial intermediary organization that has a mission to serve exclusively the commercial farming, forestry, and seafood industries of Maryland. Young and beginning farmers are a special focus for MARBIDCO, as is farm operation diversification. In delivering its financing programs, MARBIDCO works cooperatively with commercial banks and farm credit associations, as well as a host of federal, State, regional, and local government agencies, and universities. Since 2007, MARBIDCO has approved some 1,239 financings totaling $100,305,754 for food and fiber business projects located in all of Maryland’s 24 counties – and in the process has leveraged more than $213.7 million in commercial lender financing. For more information about MARBIDCO’s programs, please visit: www.marbidco.org
UMD Extension is hiring two, tenure-track, urban agriculture Extension specialist positions.
Urban Horticultural Production and Management Extension Specialist Best consideration date June 19 https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/10753 • Urban Farm and Agribusiness Management Extension Specialist Best consideration date July 12 https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/108180 There are also several other exciting jobs open right now, including a local agriculture and food systems Extension agent in Charles County and a 4H youth development educator in Prince George's County. For the full list of open Extension positions in Maryland, click here: https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=Extension&query_v0_posted_at_date=&1950%5B%5D=2&1950%5B%5D=3&805=&806=&commit=Search
Request for Proposal Released for Blue Catfish Feasibility Study
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Request for Proposal (RFP) for Blue Catfish Feasibility Study ReleasedNew Listening Sessions Regarding Nutrient Plan Changes
Maryland Department of Agriculture Listening Session Regarding Nutrient Management Plan Changes Join the Maryland Secretary of Agriculture and his team to discuss any concerns or questions over the recent changes The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), in partnership with the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a Division of the Tri-County Council, is hosting a listening session for the Southern Maryland regional agricultural community to discuss the recent MDA Nutrient Management Plan changes.
The listening session will be will be led by Maryland Secretary of Agriculture, Kevin Atticks on June 30th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Charles County Soil Conservation District Office, 4200 Gardiner Road, Waldorf, MD 20601.
The MDA listening session offers an opportunity for the Southern Maryland agricultural community to ask questions and voice any concerns directly with Secretary Atticks and his team about the recently announced shift in MDA's Nutrient Management Plan Writing Program that will focus on a new approach to education, training, and farmer empowerment.
Farmers, producers, representatives of agriculture support agencies, county agriculture marketing professionals and others interested to learn more are encouraged to attend. Lite snacks and beverages will be provided by SMADC.
Please RSVP at the LINK, or by calling #240-304-8535 https://www.cognitoforms.com/Smadc/MarylandDepartmentOfAgricultureListeningSessionRegardingNutrientManagementPlanChangesSouthernMarylandLocation
New Fiscal Agent for Maryland Market Money Program Announced
Annapolis, MD (May 22, 2023) – The Board of Directors of the Farms and Food Access for a Resilient Maryland Foundation, Inc., announces the formation of this new nonprofit organization. Also referred to as the “FFARMD Foundation,” or simply as “FFARMD” (pronounced “farmed”), this foundation has been established to serve as the fiscal agent for the Maryland Market Money (MMM) program, replacing the Maryland Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO), which had served as the fiscal agent for MMM since 2020. FFARMD will assume the partnership role that MARBIDCO had with the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland (TCCSMD) which operates the MMM program.
The Maryland Market Money program is a statewide food access program that feeds Marylanders and supports local farmers. MMM funds provide a dollar-for-dollar match for purchases made using federal nutrition benefits (SNAP, WIC, FMNP) at participating farmers markets, farm stands, and CSAs across the state. Currently, over 700 farmers and farmers market vendors are participating in the program at 55 access points for consumers, with more being added regularly. Read more here.
Register today for FY 2024 Grant Information Sessions
The Rural Maryland Council will host five FY2024 grant information sessions this year. These information sessions are important opportunities for participants to meet RMC staff and learn about the Council's two grant programs - the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) and the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF).
The first grant information session will be presented by Zoom teleconference for
those who cannot join in person.
All are welcome to attend, and lunch will be served at
the in-person information sessions.
Click on the following links highlighted in blue below to register for a grant information session taking place near you.
Eastern Shore
Friday, April 28, 2023
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
The Henson Center, Bailey Thomas Room
31191 Williams Road
Princess Anne, Maryland 21853
For more information about the session, please contact the RMC at 410-841-5772.
Southern Maryland
Monday, May 1, 2023
12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center
1370 Dowell Road
Solomons, Maryland 20688
Register to attend here.
Western Maryland
Thursday, May 4, 2023
12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Frederick Innovative Technology Center
4539 Metropolitan Court
Frederick, Maryland 21704
Register to attend here.
Learn more about RMC grant opportunities and view the FY2024 grant guidelines and criteria at rural.maryland.gov.
MARBIDCO HIRING A COMMERCIAL LOAN SPECIALIST/CREDIT UNDERWRITER
Qualified candidates are sought for a commercial credit underwriting and loan servicing position with a nonprofit economic development organization providing financial and business development assistance to agricultural and resource-based businesses in Maryland. The incumbent manages a portfolio of commercial loan and grant accounts, evaluates loan and grant program requests, reviews applicant business plans and financial statements, performs credit underwriting analyses, facilitates loan settlements, interfaces with lending institutions and local development agencies, prepares written reports of program activities, assists farm and seafood industry clients, attends trade show events, and undertakes special projects in a small busy office. (Full- or 3/4-Time)
Candidates should be well organized, self-motivated, and be able to work independently. Applicants must also possess excellent interpersonal, analytical, written, and oral communication skills, a good work ethic, and an aptitude for detail. The candidate must be able to manage several projects simultaneously, occasionally work flexible hours and travel around the State by personal automobile. The opportunity to work remotely outside of the Annapolis office is permitted two days per week.
Candidates must possess at least three years of relevant commercial lending or agricultural economic development experience and have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, agriculture, business administration, finance, economics, mathematics, natural resources, or similar field of study. Prior work experience in at least one of the following areas is required: commercial real estate lending, agricultural or small business lending, commercial credit underwriting, or special assets management. A background in commercial farming, forestry, aquaculture, or seafood would also be desirable, but is not essential. Candidates must also have experience with Microsoft Office software and be proficient using spreadsheet software. Possession of an MBA or similar grad degree may substitute for one year of required experience. EOE. For best consideration please respond by April 30, 2023.
SALARY/BENEFITS: MARBIDCO offers a very competitive compensation package, and the initial salary offered will be based upon experience and qualifications. The fringe benefits provided include generous vacation and medical leave, a substantial retirement contribution, and comprehensive health insurance coverage that is 95% employer paid, etc.
To apply submit a resume and cover letter indicating a salary requirement to:
MARBIDCO
Attn: Commercial Programs Position
1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21
Annapolis, Maryland 21403
Or Send Electronically to:
info@marbidco.orgNO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
MARBIDCO hIRING FULL-TIME FINANCIAL PROGRAMS ASSOCIATE – AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Qualified candidates are sought for a full-time financial programs position with a quasi-governmental organization providing financial business development assistance to agricultural and resource-based enterprises in Maryland. The incumbent interacts with farm, forestry, aquaculture and seafood business clients, coordinates loan and grant transactions, reviews applicant business plans and financial statements, performs credit underwriting analyses, interfaces with development agencies and lending institutions (including commercial banks, Farm Credit and USDA), prepares written reports of program activities, undertakes special projects, and provides other staff support in a team of highly motivated professionals. Specialized training and mentoring will be provided.
Qualified candidates will have a substantial academic background and/or personal experience in production farming or forestry, or in commercial aquaculture or seafood business. Candidates should be well organized, self-motivated, and able to work independently. Applicants must also possess excellent interpersonal, analytical, written, and oral communication skills; a good work ethic; and an aptitude for detail. The candidate must be able to occasionally travel around the State of Maryland by personal automobile. The opportunity to work remotely outside of the Annapolis office is permitted two days per week.
Candidates must possess either: 1) a bachelor’s degree in an agricultural or natural resources science, accounting, general or agribusiness management, finance, or resource economics (or similar major); OR, 2) a master’s degree in accounting, agriculture, business administration, finance, economics (or a similar field of study). Candidates must also have experience with Microsoft Office software and be proficient using spreadsheet software. EOE. Review of applications will begin on April 30, 2023. (Position is open until filled.)
SALARY/BENEFITS: MARBIDCO offers a very competitive compensation package, and the initial salary offered will be based upon experience and qualifications. The fringe benefits provided include generous vacation and medical leave, a substantial retirement contribution, and comprehensive health insurance coverage that is 95% employer paid, etc.
To apply submit a detailed resume, cover letter indicating a salary requirement, and the names of two professional or academic references to:
MARBIDCO
Attn: Financial Programs Associate
1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21
Annapolis, Maryland 21403
Or Send Electronically to:
info@marbidco.org
No later than: April 30, 2023
MARYLAND DAY Celebrated near the State House
The Rural Maryland Commission (RMC) held its annual Maryland Day near the State House on March 25th. Despite the rainy conditions, legislators, their staff, and others enjoyed a bagged lunch and goodies from around Maryland.
MARBIDCO was there with bags of gourmet, award-winning cheeses from Palmyra Farm near Hagerstown to hand out to legislators and their staff.
Besides, MARBIDCO and RMV, the Maryland Department of Agriculture offered a taste of the invasive species, blue catfish, served with grits. The Waterman’s Wife gave away delicious crab dip.
VerLina LLC in Ridgely shared their healthy Spirulina in apple cider with those in attendance. Blades Orchard in Federalsburg offered up baked apple cider donuts. And for dessert, SMADC had specially baked sugar cookies featuring pigs, chickens, and crabs.
MARYLAND VALUE-ADDED PRODUCER MATCHING GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE FROM MARBIDCO
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 grant program with approximately $31 million available for distribution in 2023. Read more here.
Landowner Oriented Agricultural Law Webinars Will Be Held in March and April
College Park, MD – The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics (AREC) will host five webinars via zoom every Friday starting on Friday, March 31st, and ending on Friday, April 28th. The free webinars will cover those legal issues that Maryland landowners may face. A grant funds the program through the Northeast Risk Management Education Center.
The webinars will feature Paul Goeringer, a Senior Faculty Specialist and Extension Specialist in agricultural law. He will address leasing, landowner liability issues, right-to-farm law, fencing laws, livestock liability, and estate planning. As well as additional feature speakers Tim Bishton with Crow Insurance Agency, Stephanie Brophy with Dulany Leahy Curtis & Brophy LLP, and Brooke Schumm with Levin Gann, P.A.
“These webinars will be a great opportunity for landowners and other professionals in rural areas to learn about some of the basic legal issues that many deal with daily. They can understand their rights and responsibilities whether they are involved in agriculture or own land in a rural area,” said Goeringer.
Each webinar will begin at 12:00 pm and run to 1:30 pm. The dates and topics are:
● April 28- Working with an Ag Law Attorney
Participants will receive copies of Extension fact sheets and other valuable documents as a part of the workshop series.
To register, please visit http://bit.ly/3I7CfRG. For more information, please get in touch with Paul Goeringer at lgoering@umd.edu.
This is material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2021‐70027‐34693.
MARBIDCO Featured in Ag Finance Section of Delmarva Farmer
In the January 24, 2023 issue of the Delmarva Farmer "MARBIDCO programs offer financial options" is featured in the annual Ag Finance section.
The article explains the Next Generation Farmland Acquistion Program and the Small Acerage Next Generation Program.
MARBIDCO'S Stacy Kubofcik, senior programs manager and Allison Roe financial programs officer discussed the aspects of these two programs for beginning farmers.
You can read the article here.
For more information on the Next Generation programs click here.
MARBIDCO receives Maryland Sustainable Growth Award
On November 17th the Maryland Department of Planning presented Maryland Sustainable Growth awards for leadership and community planning at its 10th annual awards ceremony in Baltimore. MARBIDCO received an Honorable Mention award during the ceremony. The awards recognize individuals, organizations, and programs that exemplify well-planned economic and community development initiatives throughout the state.
The eight winners and six honorable mention awards are for individuals and organizations that demonstrate their commitment to sustainable growth – development or redevelopment that is compact, walkable, and takes advantage of existing infrastructure while preserving the rural landscape in Maryland.
For MARBIDCO’s part, its two currently offered Rural Land Preservation Facilitation Programs took center stage for this award. This included the original Next Generation Farmland Acquisition Program or “Next Gen Program” which addresses the financing challenges of young and beginning farmers while at the same time enables the State to further its mission to help preserve working agricultural and forest land.
In cooperation with farmland conservation programs and commercial lenders, MARBIDCO aids young and beginning farmers with down-payment funding (provided at 51% Farm Market Value of the land) for the purchase of farmland. During the process, the development rights are temporarily extinguished on the farmland being purchased, and eventually the land will be permanently preserved.
Additionally, MARBIDCO’s Small Acreage Next Generation Farmland Acquisition Program (SANG) targets young and beginning farmers wishing to purchase 10- to 49-acre farms. MARBIDCO will provide 30% to 60% of the FMV of the farmland in exchange for a permanent agricultural conservation easement being placed on the land – which is used as a down payment to purchase the farm property. A commercial lender must also be involved in providing a portion of the financing.
New Wood Products Industry Equity Incentive Grant Program Assists Maryland Forestry Businesses
Annapolis (October 11, 2022) The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) recognizes the importance of the forest-based businesses in Maryland from various economic, environmental and consumer perspectives, and seeks to assist in growing a strong and diversified wood products industry across the State. In 2019, the forestry industry contributed over $3.3 billion to Maryland’s economy and supported nearly 13,000 jobs. But the industry has also encountered challenges more recently caused by mill closures and the Covid-19 Pandemic.
In response, MARBIDCO is offering a Wood Products Industry Equity Incentive Grant Program (WPIEI) to individuals and businesses with Forest Products Operators licenses currently operating in Maryland to facilitate the purchase of commercial forestry equipment.
“MARBIDCO aims to support many of the goals outlined in the recently issued Maryland Forestry Economic Adjustment Strategy by making financing available to wood fiber entrepreneurs implementing innovative technology purchases or pursuing new markets. Applicants can be forest industry professionals, primary manufacturers, and secondary manufacturers from around the State including in rural, suburban, and urban areas,” said MARBIDCO Executive Director, Steve McHenry.
The Maryland Forestry Economic Adjustment Strategy (EAS) was commissioned by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Western Maryland Resource Conservation and Development Council, and with the support of other organizations, to provide a roadmap for the future development of the forestry industry in Maryland given the recent downward trends. MARBIDCO has been provided $500,000 for the WPIEI Program in the FY 2023 State Budget.
Under WPIEI, MARBIDCO will provide up to 25% in matching funds towards an eligible project’s total cost, with a maximum grant award not to exceed $50,000. Grant funds will be distributed on reimbursement or direct-to-vendor basis with appropriate documentation provided.
Examples of eligible expenses could include wood processing equipment and facilities, sawmills, dry kilns, skidders, in-woods chippers, primary and secondary wood processing equipment, optimization systems for maximizing fiber yield recovery, shaving and pellet mills, and sawdust dryers.
The application submission deadline is Friday, November 18, 2022. Grant awards will be announced in mid-December 2022. Applications are available at www.marbidco.org.
For more information, please contact Sierra Criste at 410-267-6807, or by email at: scriste@marbidco.org.
n upcoming Northeast SARE Farmer Grants webinar.
Northeast SARE Webinar Connects Applicants with Answers about three Northeast SARE grant programs
Northeast SARE's recent 2023 Large Grants Webinar featured information about three SARE grant programs: Research and Education, Research for Novel Approaches, and Professional Development. Speakers included Associate Director Heather Omand; Grant Coordinators Nevin Dawson, Kali McPeters, and Katie Campbell-Nelson; as well as grantee and current Administrative Council (AC) member, Kwame Matthews. The event was moderated by Communications Specialist Vander Gac.
The full recording of the webinar is available here. https://youtu.be/uBVtpWKps2w
What you will find:
- Brief descriptions of resources on our website designed to support applicants.
- A short summary of our guest grantee presentation.
- The questions asked by webinar attendees and their full answers.
Grantee Presentation: Dr. Kwame Matthews
Guest speaker Dr. Kwame Matthews discussed his Northeast SARE grant project, Increasing the Use of a Natural Fungus to Control Internal Parasites in Small Ruminants.
Read more about the project here: https://projects.sare.org/sare_project/lne21-418/
This Research and Education proposal was a strong example of a project clearly designed with and for farmers, included research needed by farmers in addition to an education plan that could stand alone regardless of research outcomes, and could clearly improve herd health management for small sheep and goat producers.
Resources for Applicants
There were a number of useful pages on the Northeast SARE website and other documents linked during the webinar.
Speakers encouraged anyone interested in applying for a Northeast SARE grant to reach out directly to grant coordinators or their state’s Northeast SARE’s state coordinator. Contact information for both can be found here:
https://northeast.sare.org/about/our-team/northeast-sare-state-coordinators-and-staff/
Research and Education and Professional Development grants are the only two Northeast SARE grant programs that require a performance target. A Research and Education grant performance target measures a behavior change in farmer participants, while the Professional Development grant performance target measures a behavior change among service providers who work with farmers. To help attendees understand performance targets, presenters encouraged reviewing Northeast SARE’s Guide to Outcome Funding at: https://northeast.sare.org/outcomefunding
Northeast SARE’s Definition of a Farm is an important tool for understanding how and why a farm is considered a farm. It is available here: https://northeast.sare.org/farmdefinition
Webinar Q&A's:
Attendees asked a variety of questions which brought about valuable answers and interesting conversations around all of Northeast SARE’s grant programs.
Question (to guest speaker Kwame Matthews): Do you have any suggestions on the best way to engage farmers when writing a grant? Phone call, survey, other approaches?
Answer: I have used phone calls and emails. I have several sheep and goat farmers that I will communicate with throughout the year. When I’m thinking of writing a grant, I’ll talk to those farmers. If you have an idea for a grant, going to events and workshops and so on, you can meet the farmers there in person. They will give you their opinion on if your grant would make sense to them as a farmer. Emails are always good.
Question (to Kwame): What about people who are interested in becoming a grant reviewer?
Answer: If you become a reviewer, that is a benefit to you as someone who wants to write a SARE grant. What it does is give you that knowledge up front, to see how the grant proposals that get funded look. In that sense, it will help you to design your grant properly. You’re not stealing ideas, but what you do is try to organize the grant in a way that it’s fundable and it’s readable.
If you write a grant and nobody can read it then more than likely – and not just for SARE – it can’t be funded because they don’t understand what you’re doing. It’s not clear to anyone how you will utilize the funds, do your research or your education programs.
Question: What kind of equipment can be purchased through this grant?
Answer (Heather): To be fundable by Northeast SARE, the equipment has to be clearly specific to the project and its research and education mission. Ineligible uses of funds include most things that are considered to be startup and or capital costs for farms so that usually includes things like tractors, greenhouses, certainly any buildings, any kind of machinery equivalent to tractors, those things are generally not fundable by SARE. However, if as part of your research or your education you're exploring a new kind of implement or a new kind of process that involves certain equipment or machinery that may be fundable.
If the recipient organization is clearly dedicated to education or research, and the equipment is going to be used in perpetuity for education or research it is likely fully fundable by SARE if the project is reviewed favorably and awarded by the administrative council. When for-profit businesses request equipment, and that equipment might be used to generate profit once the project is complete – in those instances we have to prorate the cost of the equipment for the grant time period; while it is being used for research and education.
It all depends on the project and how the equipment is justified in the proposal and how it relates to the education and the research proposed. I encourage applicants to get in touch with the relevant grant coordinator and we can try to help answer more specific questions.
Question: How will the potential pause in preproposal calls for these programs in 2023 effect preproposals submitted this year?
Answer (Heather): The potential pause will have no effect on preproposals and full proposals submitted in 2022. Anyone who submits a preproposal in August 2022 and who is invited to submit a full proposal (in October of 2022) – all those full proposals will be reviewed. Favorably reviewed proposals awarded by the Administrative Council in February of 2023 will be funded and contracted in March 2023.
In May of 2023 we may not release a call for pre-proposals (typically May is when we would do so). If there is no call for preproposals next year, there will also be no call for full proposals.
Question: Has the total amount of available funds changed?
Answer (Heather): In total, $5 million is available across all three programs this year. We have larger allocations in 2022 than in 2021.
Question: If a project spans multiple states does it matter which state coordinator you reach out to?
Answer (Katie): State coordinators in each state have their own expertise and are often part of the extension service at a university so they're a great person to reach out to get another perspective. They have their own networks, it's just a great way of building your network in whichever states you're in so you may contact them in all the states you plan to work in, and any one of us on staff.
Question: Can Professional Development grants fund a non-profit organization to provide training to farmers on use of website and e-commerce technology?
Answer (Katie): It might help if you distinguish your audiences for your program. If you're primarily training farmers, you may look at the Research and Education grant program and focus on education only (research is not required). If you are looking to train service providers to work with farmers on website or e-commerce technology for example, or any topic or subject matter, then you would look at the Professional Development grant program. If it's a brand-new e-commerce technology program that no one has tried before, but it shows real promise, that could be the Research for Novel Approaches program.
Question: How often can grantees be reimbursed for project expenses?
Answer (Heather): If awarded a grant through Northeast SARE, you can invoice and be reimbursed as frequently as monthly, and we encourage grantees to invoice at least quarterly.
Question: Which grant would apply to preparing high school students to work in urban agriculture?
Answer (Heather): Northeast SARE’s founding legislation requires that the people who benefit from any grants we make must be farmers. If a project wants to work with high school students, they can benefit from the project, but you would need to make the case to reviewers that the primary audience are farmers that meet Northeast SARE’s definition of a farm.
We recognize that youth and urban farming often go hand in hand and are essential to our food system and to farming in our region. Northeast SARE has to focus on farmers as the primary audience, and there are urban farming practitioners who have figured out how to make that work. If you want to reach out to me (Heather), I'd be happy to point you to some projects that have been funded by SARE.
Answer (Vander): To share a helpful example of how to think farmer-first when writing a grant: if you're talking about working with high school students, for example, teaching farmers to work with high school students is farmer first. Teaching high school students to work with farmers is not farmers first. Sometimes it’s as simple as that.
Question: Where can I look for funding for startups?
Answer (Katie): Northeast SARE funding does not fund farming start-up costs. There are beginning farmer and rancher coordinators across the United States that are similar to the group of Northeast SARE state coordinators. They may be able to help you identify resources to help with start-up expenses.
Question: If your project could apply to more than one grant, can you apply to more than one for different aspects of the project?
Answer (Kali): You are welcome to submit two pre-proposals per program (Research and Education, Professional Development, and Research for Novel Approaches) each funding round, so you are eligible to submit six different pre-proposals each year. You may submit different versions of a similar concept to more than one grant program. It is important in the eyes of reviewers that each of your proposals stand alone and are not contingent upon the success of another program or project. If you are invited to submit multiple full proposals you can only choose one per year across all three grant programs (so a total of one full proposal submitted, not one per program).
Question: Which grant would I apply for if my project is an aggregation of local produce for minority farmers sent to wholesale and other markets?
Answer (Heather): It depends on how you might want to frame and focus the grant proposal. For example, if your focus is educating farmers around how to make that model work, that would probably be a Research and Education grant that doesn’t include a research component (which is eligible, or, maybe there is research you want to do about consumer preferences, etc.). Research and Education grants only require an education component.
If you were trying something different that had been tested but wasn't proven to be ready for adoption by those farmers, then it might be a Research for Novel Approaches project.
If you're trying to work with other service providers to teach them how to teach farmers to do this aggregation model, then it could be a Professional Development project.
Some guiding questions might be:
- Is research or education the most important component of your project, or do you need/want both?
- Do you plan to work with farmers? Or people who work with farmers?
- Research only? Most likely the Research for Novel Approaches program.
- Education for farmers? Research and Education program.
- Education for agricultural service providers to work with farmers? Professional Development program.
- Research AND education for farmers? Research and Education program.
- Remember, this is an oversimplified answer! Make sure you carefully read the calls for proposals to be sure your idea is eligible.
- Please note the question above regarding the fact that Northeast SARE cannot fund start-up business expenses.
Question: Do you need a farm ID number to apply for a grant? What other requirements are there?
Answer (Katie): You don't need to have a farm ID number. You may be a farmer to apply you don't have to be a farmer to apply for any of these grants.
Question: Can a grant request include the cost of forming a taxable organization?
Answer: If a grant is awarded, the contracting process will require tax documentation for the host organization and so the applicant will need to have that organizational status established in order to have the forms that are needed. Northeast SARE does make grants to individuals (typically as consultants or other sole proprietors) and for-profit businesses.
Question: Should we have space secured for our equipment?
Answer (Heather): When reviewers review proposals they will look to see that you either have what you need to implement a project or that you're asking for it as eligible expenses. Building costs would not be an eligible expense for a Northeast SARE grant, but renting a facility would be. You either need to have that space identified or have a plan for identifying it. Reviewers are going to look to see that you have what you need to successfully implement the project.
Question: How might a grantee approach implementing a program to develop aspiring farmers, rather than existing farmers with land?
Answer (Heather): Again, the farmers that benefit from the grant need to meet our definition of a farm which does require those farmers either sold or could have sold $1,000 of commercial product in the previous year. If certain audiences don't meet our definition of a farm it doesn't mean they can't be part of a grant, it just means they cannot be the primary benefiting audience of the proposed project – the primary audience need to be farmers.
There may be ways where a project is teaching farmers or other service providers about the model that's being tested and then this could possibly be a fundable Northeast SARE grant. Again, that primary benefiting audience has to be farmers that meet our definition.
Answer (Katie): This is a tip for anyone on any of the topics that they may have a question about. It's really helpful to go to our projects.sare.org ‘Search Projects’ function and look at other projects that have been funded. All their reports are available there, so you might search for “aspiring” or “beginning farmer” because we have funded projects with those project audiences.
Question: Can restoring or building a barn be part of a grant?
Answer (Heather) It is unlikely that would be an eligible use of funds, because that would be considered capital infrastructure. Unless a building is being adapted to research a specific technique or new approach then it might be possible depending on the proposal details and specific expenses, but usually anything involving buildings is not an eligible expense.
Question: Which grant would be the best fit for educating and supporting small minority farmers in urban gardening?
Answer (Heather): That sounds like a Research and Education and/or Partnership project to me, although there could also be a Farmer grant in there. In terms of the three programs accepting preproposals currently, it's probably a research and education project. We expect to release the Farmer Grant call for proposals in September, with a November deadline for applications. Note that gardening may not be the primary focus for any Northeast SARE grant program. The farmers who primarily benefit from the project must meet our definition of a farm.
Question: When will the Farmer and Partnership grants open this year?
Answer (Heather): We expect to release the Farmer Grant call for proposals in September, with a November deadline for applications.
The Partnership program, similar to these three programs, may not call for proposals next year. If there were to be a call for proposals for that program, that usually comes out in January or February.
Sign up to receive 2022 Census of agriculture
WASHINGTON — Agriculture producers who did not receive the 2017 Census of Agriculture and do not receive other USDA surveys or censuses have until June 30 to sign up to receive the 2022 Census of Agriculture at nass.usda.gov/AgCensus. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will mail ag census survey codes for responding securely online to every known U.S. producer this November. Hard copy questionnaires will follow in December.
The ag census, conducted for over 180 years, remains the only source of comprehensive and impartial agricultural data for every state and county in the nation. It includes every operation – large or small, urban or rural – from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products are produced and sold, or would normally be produced and sold, in the ag census year.
“The Census of Agriculture is a collective voice that tells the story and value of American agriculture. The data influence action and inform policy and program decisions that directly impact producers, their operations, and everyone they touch – and that’s all of us,” said Barbara Rater, NASS Census and Survey Division director. “This is why a complete count, with every producer getting and taking the opportunity to be represented in these data, is so important.”
On the NASS webpage, producers can also access frequently asked questions, explore past and current ag census data, access tools to help spread the word about the upcoming ag census, learn about ag census special studies, and more.
NASS builds its distribution list for every Census of Agriculture between and during ag census years through the official sign-up webpage and multiple National Agricultural Classification Surveys. To learn more about the 2022 Census of Agriculture, visit nass.usda.gov/AgCensus.
MARBIDCO Sponsors MPT's Maryland's Farm & Harvest
New episodes airing Tuesdays at 7pm on MPT
• Repeats Thursdays at 11:00 pm and Sundays at 6 am on MPT
• Repeats Fridays at 7:30 pm and 11 pm on MPT2
See more here.
Program Opportunities
MARBIDCO Local Food Aggregation Grant Fund Program
The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) is accepting applications for its Local Farm Enterprise Food Aggregation Grant Pilot Program. This program is designed to support the development of a local food aggregation infrastructure in Maryland to help meet current and future wholesale and institutional market demand for locally produced food products. Visit the webpage here.
Maryland Vineyard/Hopyard/Orchard Planting Loan Fund
A major aim of the Maryland Vineyard/Hopyard/Orchard Planting Loan Fund program is to increase the acreage of viable commercial vineyards, orchards, and hopyards in Maryland. MARBIDCO provides low-cost financing services in conjunction with a private commercial lender to make financing both available and affordable. This program is supported by the Maryland Wineries Association and the Maryland Grape Growers Association. Eligible Expenses: The requested financial assistance from MARBIDCO must relate to the installation of new vineyards, tree fruit orchards or hopyards including, but not limited to:
Prepping of land for plant installation
Purchase of vines or trees
Equipment and suppliesFor more information click here.
Anne Arundel Agricultural and Woodland Preservation
Anne Arundel County provides opportunities to landowners through an Agricultural Preservation Easement Program that will ensure your land is available for the next generation. Landowners interested in preserving their land from development may qualify for one or more programs offered through Anne Arundel County in partnership with the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Department of Natural Resources. To hear more about the programs call (410) 222-7317 or visit the website.
The Maryland Forestry Economic Adjustment Strategy (EAS) Summary Report is now available
The Maryland Forestry EAS summary document provides an overview of the key opportunities within the forest products sector that the Maryland RC&D Council project team has identified over the course of the project, as well as a list of nine initiatives with 53 immediate actions that are recommended for implementation. The full EAS report is expected to be released this summer and will provide a more exhaustive discussion of the existing industry, opportunities, and recommendations for implementation.. View the Maryland Forestry EAS Summary Report here.
MARBIDCO In The News
LEAD Maryland Fellowship Program Welcomes Class XII - MARBIDCO'S stacy Kubofcik, Sr. Programs Officer Among Fellows
The University of Maryland Extension (UME) Signature Program, LEAD Maryland, welcomed its newest class of professionals selected to develop leadership and skills to better serve and support the agricultural, natural resources, and rural sectors. Stacy Kubofcik, Senior Programs Officer at MARBIDCO is among the Fellows.
LEAD Class XII consists of 25 Fellowship recipients who are participating in the two-year program that teaches problem solving, communication, leadership skills, and public issues education related to public policy, resources, and opportunities. LEAD Fellows come from all over the state and from diverse backgrounds including rural and urban farmers, communications specialists, business owners, conservation technicians, organization managers, and more.
During the two-year term of the Fellowship, the class will participate in a series of nine multi-day seminars and an international study experience, focused on affecting public policy, identifying resources, engaging and educating others, and becoming leaders within their communities, in rural Maryland, and within the agriculture industry. Read more here in the Southern Maryland Enquirer-Gazette.
Food Processing Locations: Processing A New World in the Food Chain
The food processing category is taking on more importance as businesses and consumers search for convenient, quality products and cost-effective solutions to getting them to market.
Industry experts stress that being near major transportation hubs and metropolitan areas play big roles in the success of this category. Though they are quick to add that quality and consistency remain the most important factors in this industry. Suppliers get that and are taking strong measures to make sure that they are getting products to market quickly and that quality is first and foremost.
Making things more interesting is growing consumer demand for locally-produced products. Many industry experts predict that this trend will accelerate in the future, giving suppliers both more opportunities to satisfy the customer and creating more challenges for them to meet these needs.
Aquaculture Heritage
With 300 miles of shoreline along the Potomac River, Patuxent River, and their tributaries, Charles County’s commitment to aquaculture is a legacy, with ecologists and producers partnering on conservation techniques to ensure a steady supply of oysters, blue crab, catfish, and striped bass. Partnerships with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) keep waterways and access to capital strong. Read more here.
MARBIDCO SMADC named beneficiary of a $1.4 million USDA Grant Award to Expand Food Access - MMM Program
The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, is pleased to annouce the Maryland Market Money (MMM) program, jointly administered by Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Indistry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO), has been awarded a $1.4 million U.S. Department of Agriculture Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) grant to establish a food access program in partnership with grant lead FRESHFARM and the Local Environmentl Trust. Read more here.
MARBIDCO SMADC Awarded Over Half a Million Dollars in USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) Grant Funds
The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, is the recipient of a US Department of Agriculture Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) Grant of $599,703.32, to ‘Build Resilience, Develop and Expand Direct Producer-to-Consumer Markets and Increase Access to Local Foods in Southern Maryland.’
According to the USDA press announcement released on November 23, 2021, the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) awarded $37.5 million in funding to 88 projects to support direct producer-to-consumer marketing projects such as farmers markets, community-supported agriculture programs, roadside stands, and agritourism. SMADC is the only Maryland agriculture entity to be awarded FMPP project grant funds in this category.
SMADC’s winning project, ‘Building Resilience in Southern Maryland Producer to Consumer Initiatives,’ expands the efficacy of SMADC’s farmer/consumer resource and promotion programs and Maryland Market Money (MMM) Program, jointly administered in partnership with the Maryland Agriculture & Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO). The project will focus on increasing consumer awareness for direct producer-to-consumer markets and access and availability of regionally produced agricultural products and providing technical assistance for value-added food producers. Read more here.
MARBIDCO Small Acreage Next Gen Program Featured by MACo
The Small Acreage Next Generation Farmland Acquisition program is a new program launched by MARBIDCO designed to help new and beginning farmers purchase smaller acreage farms. Recently it was featured by MACo on its website. Read it here. To learn more about the program, visit the webpage here.
MARBIDCO Next Gen Customers Featured in Farm Credit Magazine
The Next Generation Farmland Aquisition Program has assisted many young and beginning farmers in purchasing farmland. The Moore family, who purchased farmland in Barclay, Maryland, recently was featured in Farm Credit's Leader magazine. Read about their story in the magazine here, on pages six and seven.
MARBIDCO Next Gen Program featured
MARBIDCO's Next Generation Farmland Acquisition Program has been featured in the Cecil County newspaper, Cecil Whig. The program is designed to help transfer farmland to the next generation and place the land into ag preservation. MARBIDCO is currently accepting applicants on a rolling basis deadline. Check out the article on their website here.