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 Fall 2022 cycle of grants will be accepted now through October 28. County Executive Jan Gardner launched the Agriculture Innovation Grants Program in 2021 to support Frederick County’s agriculture industry.
“The best way to ensure our agriculture industry thrives is to invest in innovation,” Executive Gardner said. “Our Agriculture Innovation Grants allow farmers to grow their operations and create new jobs, which helps the industry stay economically viable. Our goal is to leave a legacy of agriculture for generations to come.”
To date, the grant program has awarded approximately $1,000,000 to 31 Frederick County agriculture operations, which in turn created 85 full-time positions and 89 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, Associate Director of Agriculture Business Development. She can be reached by phone at 240-285-2795 or by email at KStevens1@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
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