Maryland Postharvest Infrastructure Grant Program

The Maryland Postharvest Infrastructure Grant Program is administered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture as part of the broader Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federal initiative funded through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and implemented by the Maryland Department of Health. This program is designed to strengthen rural communities by improving access to healthy food through targeted investments in postharvest infrastructure. By enhancing food distribution systems, the initiative aligns with federal goals to improve health outcomes by increasing the availability of nutritious, locally sourced food in rural areas. The primary purpose of the grant is to expand food aggregation, storage, and distribution capacity across Maryland’s designated rural counties. The program focuses on strengthening the operational capabilities of agricultural producers and seafood processors, as well as supporting institutions and organizations that contribute to the local food system. Eligible food categories include produce, dairy, grains intended for human consumption, meat, poultry, herbs, and seafood. By addressing gaps in the cold chain and distribution infrastructure, the program aims to ensure that perishable goods can be safely stored and transported to underserved communities. Funding is available to support a range of infrastructure-related activities, with a strong emphasis on cold storage solutions. Eligible uses include purchasing and installing refrigeration units, upgrading transportation fleets with refrigerated vehicles, implementing logistics and inventory tracking technologies, enhancing loading and handling facilities, and improving food safety systems. While the program allows for minor renovations and equipment purchases, it explicitly prohibits expenditures related to cultivation, harvesting, retail marketing, real estate acquisition, and major construction. All funded activities must directly support postharvest handling and distribution processes. Eligible applicants include agricultural producers and seafood processors, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, Maryland-based local government entities, and institutions such as universities, hospitals, and correctional facilities. Agricultural producers and seafood processors are identified as a priority category. All applicants must operate within Maryland and demonstrate that their projects will benefit rural counties and populations. Projects are evaluated based on their potential to improve food access, support local producers, and generate measurable outcomes such as increased food distribution and enhanced storage capacity. The application process is conducted through an online grant portal managed in partnership with the Rural Maryland Council. Applicants must create an account, complete organizational and project information, and submit required documentation including a W-9 form, proof of good standing, letters of support, and detailed budget narratives with supporting quotes. Applications must also include a concise executive summary and clearly defined project objectives aligned with program priorities. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Applications are due by June 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Following submission, proposals will be reviewed in June 2026, with final decisions subject to approval by the Maryland Department of Health and CMS. Award notifications are expected in August 2026, with grant agreements executed by October 2026. Funded projects are expected to begin in October 2026 and conclude by June 30, 2027, with final reporting due in October 2027. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, and awards are distributed as a single lump sum. Evaluation of applications is based on a 100-point scoring system that considers alignment with rural community needs, project feasibility, measurable outcomes, and budget justification. Applicants must demonstrate a clear need for infrastructure improvements and provide realistic projections for impact. Ongoing reporting requirements include quarterly financial and programmatic updates, ensuring accountability and alignment with federal funding standards. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the program administrator at the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

Align project clearly with rural food access outcomes; provide strong measurable metrics especially food distribution volume; ensure budget justification is detailed and tied to outcomes; include high-quality support letters demonstrating demand