The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced that 14 projects will receive grant funding totaling $590,000 through its Healthy Soils Competitive Fund. This pioneering grant program provides financial assistance to qualifying farms and organizations both large and small to adopt innovative conservation practices that benefit climate, soil, and water.
“Healthy soil is the foundation of sustainable agriculture. Agroforestry practices deepen that foundation by returning trees to the agricultural landscape to enrich ecosystems, protect local water quality, and build resilience for generations to come,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “We are deeply gratified and excited by the enthusiasm and creativity of Maryland farmers who participated in this program”.
Established in 2023, the Healthy Soils Competitive Fund provides winning applicants with up to $50,000 to support three years of enhanced soil health and agroforestry practices. Since its inception, the grant program has supported 53 projects across the state. Innovative conservation practices supported by the fund in Fiscal Year 2025 include:
Equipment and infrastructure improvements to increase pasture rest periods in adaptive grazing—3 projects
Planter upgrades for improved crop emergence when planting green—2 projects
Innovative soil health practices for vineyards—2 projects
Equipment and system improvements to decrease tillage in vegetable production—2 projects
Hazelnut alley cropping in a hay production system—1 project
Source : maryland.gov