Animal Waste Technology Fund

About the Animal Waste Technology Fund

Established in 2013, the Animal Waste Technology Fund provides grants to individuals, vendors, and businesses to showcase proven, innovative technologies for managing animal waste in Maryland. These technologies may reduce nutrient levels in animal waste, change its form or function for other uses, or generate energy and marketable products from waste. Please note that projects in the research and development stage are ineligible for this grant.

To help farmers protect waterways from excess nutrients and remain profitable, Maryland invests in innovative technologies that support new uses for animal waste. These include alternative product development and manure-to-energy projects that add value to the farm business model. Many of these technology projects may also provide climate and job creation benefits. 

Eligibility 

The department defines animal waste as “any waste stream generated by on-farm animals or through an animal production process involving Maryland livestock." Examples include dairy wastewater, poultry processing waste, and livestock carcasses. 

Eligible projects should demonstrate the potential to:

• Enhance public health and environmental well-being
• Offer alternative waste management solutions for the agricultural sector
• Have a positive economic development impact in the state​

***Additional consideration will be given to projects that address climate and community benefits.

Funding availability

Maryland’s Animal Waste Technology Fund has approximately $750,000 available to invest in innovative technologies during the Fiscal Year 2026, which ends June 30, 2026. ​

Funding support is provided by the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund. 

How to apply

The application window for 2026 grant proposals is now closed​.