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Maryland Department of Agriculture

Thank you for your interest!

  • Our 2026 application window has closed.

  • Please check back for details on our next enrollment period. 

Urban homes with greenhouse and garden

About the Urban Agriculture Grant Program

This grant program ​aims to help urban farmers provide residents with better access to healthy foods while promoting environmental sustainability.​  

Projects we fund

The Urban Agriculture Grant Program supports both urban farms and community gardens, whether they are startups or existing operations looking to expand. 

Our grants cover a wide range of needs, including:

  • Capital Improvements—Funding for infrastructure such as refrigerated or dry storage, wash-and-pack stations, fencing, low tunnels, and more. 
  • Sustainable Practices—Adoption of safe, environmentally sustainable practices, including the creation of pollinator habitat, obtaining certification in the use of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), installing composting units, and nutrient management planning. 
  • Innovative Farming Solutions—Investing in rooftop gardens and controlled environment agriculture.
  • Education—Programs that focus on composting, soil health, and sustainable farming practices.
  • Real Property—The purchase of real property in an urban area. (This option is capped at 20% of the grant award.) 
  • Operating Expenses—Covers certain operating expenses. (Capped at 15% of the grant award)
  • Please note that the maximum funding per application is $10,000.

Who should apply for this grant 

Individuals, organized for-profit agricultural businesses, non-profit organizations, or institutes of higher education may apply for the grant.​

To qualify, you must:

  • Produce a farm product that generates a minimum of $1,000 in sales or donations annually. 
  • Comply with all local, state, and federal regulations and secure required project permits.  
  • Submit a completed current nutrient mangae plan form if you are a farms that is required to have a Nutrient Management Plan
  • Be located:​
    • In urban areas as defined by the United States Census Bureau, or 
    • In any incorporated municipality recognized by the State of Maryland. 

How to apply 

Funding

The Maryland General Assembly has approved up to $100,000 in annual funding for the Urban Agriculture Grant Program through Fiscal Year 2029.

Resources & forms