The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Healthy Soils Competitive Grant Fund will open on November 2, 2026, and accept applications through January 8, 2027. This program offers up to $50,000 to help Maryland farmers and organizations advance their soil health goals by funding innovative practices that minimize soil disturbance while maximizing cover, biodiversity, and living roots over three years.
Since 2023, the Healthy Soils Competitive Grant Fund has backed 71 projects across the State. Some of the practices supported include:
- Alternative inputs combined with intensive cover cropping to reduce synthetic chemical use.
- Reduced tillage equipment and field trials for vegetable production.
- On-farm improvements, such as upgraded composting systems and annual cover crops for summer grazing.
- Selected agroforestry practices.
Thanks to a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this upcoming grant cycle expands funding for the following agroforestry practices:
- Alley Cropping.
- Hedgerow Planting.
- Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment.
- Silvopasture.
- Tree and Shrub Establishment.
“Maryland farmers understand that caring for the soil is an investment in the future of their land,” said Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. “This year’s expanded range of eligible agroforestry practices will support our producers’ commitment to protecting our state’s natural resources while building more productive, resilient farms.”
Source : maryland.gov