Urban Agriculture Grant

The Urban Agriculture Grant is administered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture through its Small Farm and Urban Agriculture Program. This program is designed to strengthen small-scale agricultural operations and increase access to healthy, locally grown food in urban communities across Maryland. The initiative reflects the State’s broader goals of promoting environmental sustainability, improving food systems, and supporting climate-smart agricultural practices. Funding for the program has been approved by the Maryland General Assembly through Fiscal Year 2029, with up to 100,000 dollars allocated annually to support eligible projects. The primary purpose of the grant is to increase the viability of urban farming operations and improve access to food produced within urban areas. The program supports both new and existing urban farms and community gardens. Eligible projects may include capital improvements such as storage facilities, wash-and-pack stations, fencing, and infrastructure; adoption of environmentally sustainable practices like composting, nutrient management, and pollinator habitat development; and innovative approaches such as rooftop farming and controlled environment agriculture. The grant also allows limited funding for real property acquisition and operating expenses, subject to caps of 20 percent and 15 percent of the award respectively. Applicants may request up to 10,000 dollars per application, with only one application permitted per cycle. Funds must be expended within 12 months of receiving the approval letter. The program does not require a cost share or matching contribution. Payments are distributed in three phases: an initial 50 percent upon execution of the agreement, 40 percent after submission of a progress report, and the remaining 10 percent upon submission of a final report. The total program funding available for the cycle is 100,000 dollars, indicating a limited number of awards depending on award size. Eligibility is open to individuals, for-profit agricultural businesses, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education. All applicants must operate within an urban area as defined by the United States Census Bureau or within an incorporated municipality in Maryland. Applicants must demonstrate at least 1,000 dollars in annual sales or donations from agricultural products and must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Operations requiring a Nutrient Management Plan must submit current documentation. Institutions of higher education must also demonstrate that their programs directly support urban agriculture training and technical assistance. Applications are submitted during a defined window from June 15, 2026 through July 24, 2026, with a firm submission deadline of 5:00 PM Eastern Time on the closing date. Applicants must complete an online application form and submit supporting documents, including a budget form, farm map or sketch, and any required nutrient management certifications. The application includes narrative responses aligned with program evaluation criteria and must adhere to character limits. A virtual question and answer session is scheduled during the application period to assist applicants. Applications are evaluated based on detailed criteria including farm viability, food access impact, community engagement, production outcomes, environmental sustainability, project feasibility, and measurable outcomes. The review process includes an eligibility screening followed by committee evaluation. Award notifications are expected in September 2026, with subsequent reporting requirements including a progress report and final report within the project period. The program is expected to recur annually through at least 2029, supporting ongoing investment in urban agriculture development across Maryland.

Align project with evaluation criteria by demonstrating clear community impact, measurable outcomes, sustainability practices, and realistic implementation readiness