Maryland opens Healthy Soils grants for farmers; up to $50,000 available
State agriculture department accepting applications for conservation projects through January
The Maryland Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for its Healthy Soils Competitive Grant Fund, offering up to $50,000 per project for farmers pursuing soil conservation practices.
Applications open Saturday, Nov. 2, and close Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Award notifications will go out by Saturday, May 31, 2027.
Who can apply
Maryland farmers, farmer collectives and agricultural organizations are eligible. There are no minimum or maximum acreage requirements.
Applicants must demonstrate compliance with Maryland's Nutrient Management Program.
Eligible practices
The fund supports a range of soil health initiatives:
- Reduced-tillage equipment and field trials
- Cover cropping and alternative inputs
- On-farm composting systems
- Annual cover crops
- Agroforestry practices including alley cropping, hedgerow planting, windbreaks, shelterbelts, silvopasture and tree or shrub establishment
Grants may cover conservation practices, equipment purchases, labor, research and administrative costs tied to project goals.
How funding works
Recipients receive 30 percent of their award upfront. The remainder is distributed annually upon verification of project progress.
How to apply
Application materials are available on the Maryland Department of Agriculture's Healthy Soils Competitive Grant Fund website.
For questions, contact Nick Miller, grant fund administrator, at nick.miller@maryland.gov or 410-980-2350.
"Maryland farmers understand that caring for the soil is an investment in the future of their land," Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks said in announcing the program.
