Small Farm and Urban Agriculture Program
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About the Small Farm & Urban Agriculture Program
Maryland’s Small Farm and Urban Agriculture Program provides financial assistance to support small-scale agricultural operations located in urban, peri-urban, rural, and suburban areas. It aims to increase community access to healthy foods by helping farmers improve their management of natural resources by adopting Bay-friendly and climate-smart farming practices.
Who should apply
Individuals, organized for-profit agricultural businesses, or non-profit organizations may apply for our grants.
Eligible operations must generate at least $1,000 annually in farm product sales or donations. In addition, the grantee must ensure the agricultural operation complies with all local, state, and federal regulations and permit requirements. The farm product must be grown or raised in the state of Maryland.
The following types operations are eligible:
- Any agricultural, horticultural, vegetable, or fruit product of the soil, whether raw or canned, frozen, dried, pickled, or otherwise processed;
- Livestock, meats, marine food products, poultry, eggs, or dairy products;
- Equine operations;
- Wool, hides, feathers, or honey;
- Any product of farm, forest, orchard, garden, or water.
Types of grants
The Small Farm and Urban Agriculture Program offers:
- Urban Agriculture Grants to support the growth and development of urban farms and community gardens.
- Water and Power Grants for qualifying operations located in urban areas.
- Small Acreage Cover Crop Grants in the spring and fall
Funding
This program is funded by the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund and managed by the department's Conservation Grants Program.