Check Out Our New Urban Agriculture Grants!
Maryland’s Small Farm and Urban Agriculture Program is excited to announce that we will accept applications for our new
Urban Agriculture Grant Program from June 15 through July 24, 2026. This grant program aims to help urban farmers provide residents with better access to healthy foods while promoting environmental sustainability.
Projects We Fund
The Urban Agriculture Grant Program supports both urban farms and community gardens, whether they are startups or existing operations looking to expand.
Our Grants Cover a Wide Range of Needs, Including...
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Capital Improvements—Funding for infrastructure such as refrigerated or dry storage, wash-and-pack stations, fencing, low tunnels, and more.
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Sustainable Practices—Adoption of safe, environmentally sustainable practices, including the creation of pollinator habitat, obtaining certification in the use of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), installing composting units, and nutrient management planning.
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Innovative Farming Solutions—Investing in rooftop gardens and controlled environment agriculture.
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Education—Programs that focus on composting, soil health, and sustainable farming practices.
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Real Property—The purchase of real property in an urban area.
(This option is capped at 20% of the grant award.)
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Operating Expenses—Covers certain operating expenses.
(Capped at 15% of the grant award)
- Please note that the maximum funder per application is
$10,000.
Enrollment Dates
Please submit your grant application to MDA’s Small Farm and Urban Agriculture Program during the sign-up period: June 15, 2026 through July 24, 2026
Who Should Apply for This Grant
- Individuals, organized for-profit agricultural businesses, non-profit organizations, or institutes of higher education may apply for the grant.
- To qualify for this grant, you must produce a farm product that generates a minimum of $1,000 in sales or donations annually.
- You must comply with all local, state, and federal regulations and secure required project permits.
- Farms that are required to have a Nutrient Management Plan, must submit a completed
Current Nutrient Management Plan form with their application.
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Eligibility for this grant is limited to operations located:
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In urban areas as defined by the United States Census Bureau,
or
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In any incorporated municipality recognized by the State of Maryland.
Click to Get Started
- Please click the interactive map to see if your property meets the location criteria.
- If your property qualifies, download the application.
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Grant applications will be accepted from June 15, 2026 through July 24, 2026.
- For help with your application, please contact Bill Tharpe, Program Administrator for the Small Farm & Urban Agriculture Program, at [email protected] or 410-980-6160.
About Us
Maryland’s Small Farm and Urban Agriculture Program provides financial assistance to support small-scale agricultural operations in urban, peri-urban, rural, and suburban areas. Our goal is to increase community access to healthy foods by helping farmers improve their management of natural resources through Bay-friendly, climate-smart farming practices. Additional programs aimed at urban and small farms are currently in the planning stages. Please check back for new programs and updates. The Maryland General Assembly has approved funding for this program through
Fiscal Year 2029.
Funding
The Maryland General Assembly has approved up to $100,000 in annual funding for the Urban Agriculture Grant Program through Fiscal Year 2029.
Photograph by Edwin Remsberg Photography
Updated 6/9/26
