Applications Open for Agriculture Innovation Grant Program

FREDERICK, Md. – Farmers looking to expand or diversify their operations can apply for funding through Frederick County’s award-winning Agriculture Innovation Grants Program. Applications for the Spring 2023 cycle of grants will be accepted now through March 31. Frederick County launched its award-winning Agriculture Innovation Grants Program in 2021 to support Frederick County’s agriculture industry.

“We have heard from our farmers that the Agriculture Innovation Grants have made a big difference,” County Executive Jessica Fitzwater said. “Helping operations to diversify and launch new projects is vital to preserving Frederick County’s rich agricultural history. You can’t preserve the farm without preserving the farmer.”

To date, the grant program has awarded approximately $1,142,236 toward 42 Frederick County agriculture projects, which in turn created 128 full-time positions and 112 part-time positions.

Agriculture Innovation Grants of $5,000 or more are available twice a year to crop and livestock producers, value-added producers, agricultural cooperatives, seafood processors, and primary and secondary timber products processors. Funds may be used for research and development, production buildings, major fixtures, or processing facilities. Grants are competitive. A review committee scores all applications based on established metrics and then recommends awards to the County Executive.

Information on the program, including how to apply, is available online from the Frederick County Office of Economic Development at www.DiscoverFrederickMd.com/ag_innovation_grant. If a printed application is required, contact Katie Stevens, Director of Workforce Development and Agriculture Business. She can be reached by phone at 240-285-2795 or by email at KStevens1@FrederickCountyMD.gov.