Urban Agriculture Grant
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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
- Check the interactive map to see if your property meets the location criteria.
- If your property qualifies, download the MDA Urban Agriculture Grant application.
- Grant applications will be accepted from June 15, 2026 through July 24, 2026.
Funding
The Maryland General Assembly has approved up to $100,000 in annual funding for the Urban Agriculture Grant Program through Fiscal Year 2029.