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MARBIDCO Grant Programs

CLOSED - Maryland Producer Cold Storage Grant Program

To help farmers and watermen 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 $2,000.

Cold Storage Grant MDA photo

 Photo: Maryland Department of Agriculture 

Overview 

MARBIDCO's Maryland Producers Cold Storage Grant Program provides matching grants up to $2,000 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.

Funds will be disbursed as a reimbursement based on proof of payment or directly to vendors based on submitted invoices.

Eligible applicants: Business operation income tax return for 2022 for corporations and LLCs, personal tax return for 2022 for sole proprietors and partnerships, OR third-party provided evidence of at least $1,000 of sales of products for businesses started in 2023. Third-party provided evidence must clearly show sales made by the applicant.

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:

Amount of Grant: Minimum Grant $500; Maximum Grant $2,000

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. Funds will be disbursed as a reimbursement based on proof of payment or directly to vendors based on submitted invoices.

Send application electronically to brawlings@marbidco.org or mail to:
MARBIDCO
Maryland Producer Cold Storage Grant Program
c/o Brittany Rawlings
1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21
Annapolis, MD 21403

Download Application
PDF