How Much Money is Available?
This competitive grant program awards selected applicants with up to $50,000 to support 3 years of enhanced healthy soil practices. Individual producers and organizations that want to take the next step to improve soil health may apply.
When Can I Apply for Your Grants?![](/resource_conservation/counties/SoilhealthWebArt2023/Sheep.jpg)
MDA will accept applications from January 3, 2024 through March 6, 2024. Grant recipients will be announced by April 30, 2024.
What Types of Projects are Funded?![](/resource_conservation/counties/SoilhealthWebArt2023/Equipment.jpg)
Financial assistance is available to manage conservation practices in new and innovative ways that improve soil health, yield, and profitability and capture carbon.
Eligible soil health practices include:
- Cover Crops
- Conservation Tillage
- Pasture and Hay Planting
- Conservation Cover
- Critical Area Planting
- Conservation Crop Rotation
- Nutrient Management
- Integrated Pest Management
- Prescribed Grazing
- NEW: Soil Carbon Amendment
Eligible agroforestry practices include:
- Alley Cropping
- Hedgerow Planting
- Silvopasture
- Tree and Shrub Establishment
- Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment
Who is Eligible for Funding?![](/resource_conservation/counties/SoilhealthWebArt2023/Gardeners.jpg)
The following individuals or groups may apply for funding. You may apply for funding for more than one conservation practice:
- Individual farmers operating in Maryland
- Groups of farmers operating in Maryland
- Individuals or organizations conducting research with farmers in Maryland, (participating farms must be named in the application)
More Information...
- There are no minimum or maximum acreage requirements.
- Farm size is not a consideration for project selection.
- Funds may not be used to cover overhead or indirect costs.
- Grant recipients will receive a portion of the funds (not to exceed 40%) upfront, with the remainder distributed annually following verification of progress. The allowable upfront payment will depend on the proposed scope of work.
- Funds may be used to:
- Support implementation of conservation practices
- Cover staff and administrative time for organizations that provide technical support to producers
- Cover research costs
- Purchase or rent equipment that supports the adoption of soil health practices.
- This project is funded by the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund and the Moore Administration.