Maryland's Healthy Soils Competitive Fund
The Maryland Department of Agriculture will accept applications for our Healthy Soils Competitive Fund from December 2, 2024 - March 7, 2025. If you have an innovative conservation idea for your farm, this program is for you! We provide financial assistance to qualifying farmers who want to adopt a range of soil health and agroforestry practices.
How Much Money Can I Get?
This competitive grant program awards selected applicants with up to $50,000 to support 3 years of enhanced soil health practices. Individual producers and organizations that want to take the next step to improve soil health may apply.
When Can I Apply?
MDA will accept applications from
December 2, 2024 - March 7, 2025. Grant recipients will be announced by May 30, 2025. You must provide proof of compliance with Maryland's nutrient management requirements when you submit your application. If you have any questions about compliance, please contact the regional nutrient management specialist serving your county.
What Types of Projects?
Financial assistance is available to manage conservation practices in new and innovative ways that improve soil health, yield, and profitability and capture carbon. Eligible 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
- Soil Carbon Amendment
The following agroforestry practices are also eligible for funding:
- Alley Cropping
- Hedgerow Planting
- Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment
- Silvopasture
- Tree and Shrub Establishment
Who is Eligible? 
- 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)
- You may apply for funding for more than one conservation practice
More Info...
Farm size is not a consideration for project
selection and there are no minimum or maximum acreage requirements.
- Grant recipients will receive a portion of the funds (not to exceed 40%) upfront, with the remainder distributed annually following verification of progress.
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The allowable upfront payment will depend on the proposed scope of work.
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Funds may not be used to cover overhead or indirect costs.
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Funds may be used to:
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Support implementation of conservation practices.
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Cover staff and administrative time for organizations that provide technical support to producers.
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Cover research costs.
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Purchase or rent equipment that supports the adoption of soil health practices.
Funding for this program is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund and the Moore Administration.
