MARBIDCO Grant Programs
Maryland Producer Cold Storage Grant Program
To help farmers purchase needed cold storage equipment
This grant assists those in the farming and commercial fishing industries with the purchase of cold storage equipment and installation assistance if needed. MARBIDCO will match up to 50% of the cost of the project, with a maximum grant award amount of $1,000.
Photo: Maryland Department of Agriculture
Overview
MARBIDCO's Maryland Producers Cold Storage Grant Program provides matching grants up to $1,000 for farmers and watermen wishing to purchase cold storage equipment to continue or expand operations. Agricultural products include produce, livestock, shellfish, or horticultural products that are grown on the applicant’s farm. Seafood products include finfish and shellfish products that are harvested in Maryland.
This program connects farmers with vital cold storage funding assistance for their product. Applicants are asked to make a 50% matching contribution towards the purchase and installation of cold storage equipment. All grants will be awarded on a discretionary basis. Applications will be processed as they are received. Deadline is October 31, 2022.
All applicants should expect to purchase or order equipment no later than November 15, 2022. Funds will be disbursed as a reimbursement based on proof of payment or directly to vendors based on submitted invoices.
Eligible applicants: Farmers and watermen with at least $1,000 in agricultural or seafood product sales in calendar years 2021 or 2022. The eligible applicants can include sole proprietorships, partnerships, cooperatives, and LLCs.
Commercial Watermen must have an active Tidal Fisheries License (TFL) with the Department of Natural Resources and provide the TFL number on the application form. Shellfish Aquaculture farmers must be an active leaseholder with the Department of Natural Resources and provide the lease number on the application from.
Grant funds and matching funds must be used to purchase and install cold storage equipment, including:
- Large coolers
- Ice machines
- On-boat or On-dock cold storage
- Reach-in refrigerator/freezer
- Walk-in refrigerator/freezer
- On-truck cold storage (does not include costs related to purchase a truck)
- Third-party costs related to installation of cold storage unit or construction of cold storage facility
List of Equipment to Be Purchased: No more than two (2) items, plus installation if needed - please include cost estimates on the application.
Ineligible Costs Include: Purchases made prior to September 10, 2022
Amount of Grant: Minimum Grant $200; Maximum Grant $1,000
Match Required: Applicants are required to pay for at least 50% of the eligible project
cost.
Application Process: Applications will be processed as they are received. All applicants should expect to purchase or order equipment by no later than November 15, 2022. Funds will be disbursed as a reimbursement based on proof of payment or directly to vendors based on submitted invoices.
Send application electronically to scriste@marbidco.org or mail to:
MARBIDCO
Maryland Producer Cold Storage Grant Program
c/o Sierra Criste
1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21
Annapolis, MD 21403