Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Healthy Soils Competitive Grant Fund will open

ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 29, 2026) —  The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Healthy Soils Competitive Grant Fund will open on November 2, 2026, and accept applications through January 8, 2027. This program offers up to $50,000 to help Maryland farmers and organizations advance their soil health goals by funding innovative practices that minimize soil disturbance while maximizing cover, biodiversity, and living roots over three years. 

Since 2023, the Healthy Soils Competitive Grant Fund has backed 71 projects across the State. Some of the practices supported include:

• Alternative inputs combined with intensive cover cropping to reduce synthetic chemical use.
• Reduced tillage equipment and field trials for vegetable production.
• On-farm improvements, such as upgraded composting systems and annual cover crops for summer grazing.
• Selected agroforestry practices.

Thanks to a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this upcoming grant cycle expands funding for the following agroforestry practices:

• Alley Cropping.
• Hedgerow Planting.
• Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment.
• Silvopasture.
• Tree and Shrub Establishment.

“Maryland farmers understand that caring for the soil is an investment in the future of their land,” said Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. “This year’s expanded range of eligible agroforestry practices will support our producers’ commitment to protecting our state’s natural resources while building more productive, resilient farms.”

The Healthy Soils Competitive Grant Fund is open to all Maryland farmers, farmer collectives and agricultural organizations. There are no minimum or maximum acreage requirements, and recipients will receive 30% of the funding upfront. The remainder of the funds will be distributed annually following verification of progress. Funds may cover conservation practices, equipment purchases, labor, research and administrative costs that are required to meet project goals. Applicants must provide documentation of compliance with Maryland’s Nutrient Management Program.

The submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. EST on January 8, 2027. Award recipients will be notified by May 31, 2027. Please visit the Healthy Soils Competitive Grant Fund website for more information and to apply. 

Please contact Nick Miller, administrator of the Healthy Soils Competitive Grant Fund, at [email protected] or (410) 980-2350 with any questions.  

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