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Agriculture Support
The Office of Agriculture helps to foster a dynamic agricultural ecosystem by actively nurturing and empowering agribusinesses and farms, of all sizes and types, through strategic support initiatives, education resources, and innovative programming, creating an environment conducive to the thriving diversification of farming practices while sustaining economic growth within Frederick County’s Agricultural sector.
As Maryland’s largest agricultural County with the greatest number of farms and farmland acres, agriculture has far-reaching effects on our economy and quality of life.
If you’re looking to start a new agribusiness or expand an existing one, the Frederick County Office of Agriculture can help. Contact our office for more information today to get started. Services available include:
- Liaison on behalf of the agriculture industry
- Promotion and education of agriculture
- Permitting/Zoning assistance for agriculture businesses
- Agriculture Expansion and Location Assistance
- Marketing/Public Relations
- Business Networking and Industry Connections
- Agricultural Data
- Incentive/Funding Resources
- Development of business plans to start or expand agricultural businesses
FarmLINK
The FarmLINK program companion website provides a digital one-stop shop for farm resources across Maryland. Features include ‘Property Exchange’, to help landowners keep their farmland in production and assist farmers in finding farmland for sale or lease. ‘Mentor Match’ which pairs experienced farmers with new or transitioning farm owners/operators for one-on-one training, advice, and interaction for technical assistance in farm production. Farmer Exchange’ is designed to facilitate discussion between farmers, and a ‘Job Board' for posting full and part-time positions, seasonal internships, and apprenticeships. Experienced and beginner farmers will also find useful contact information for local, state, and national agencies and organizations.
Agriculture Incentives
- Frederick County Agriculture Innovation Grant
- Horizon Farm Credit Agricultural Loans
- Horizon Farm Credit Grants and Awards
- MARBIDCO Beginning Farmer Programs
- MARBIDCO Forestry Equipment and Working Capital Loan Fund
- MARBIDCO Maryland Livestock Processing Loan Fund
- MARBIDCO Maryland Resource-Based Industry Financing Fund (MRBIFF)
- MARBIDCO Maryland Vineyard/Hopyard/Orchard Planting Loan Fund
- MARBIDCO Maryland Urban Agriculture Commercial Lending Incentive Grant (MUACLIG)
- Maryland Department of Commerce Alcohol Manufacturing Promotion Fund
- Maryland Department of Commerce Innovation Investment Tax Credit
- Maryland Department of Commerce Winery and Vineyard Economic Development Grant Program
- USDA Farm Service Agency Loan Programs
- USDA Intermediary Relending Program
- USDA Rural Energy for American Program Grants