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Grants & Financing

The Agricultural Marketing Program of HCEDA will work with you to find grants and financing that will help you start or diversify your agriculture enterprise.

Grant applications can be a large undertaking, by taking time to have others review the application and business plan it could lead to greater success.  Team work is the key to any successful operation.

County Grants

Howard County Agricultural Grant for Innovation and Expansion (AGIE) is for Howard County’s agricultural producers to expand or diversify their business operations. Eligible applicants must be a crop or livestock producer or processor, agricultural cooperative, seafood processor, or primary or secondary timber products processor.

Applicants can receive grants from $1,000.00 up to $20,000.00 for research and development, production buildings, major fixtures, processing facilities, etc. There is one annual grant cycle each year. Grant applications will be accepted throughout the year (August – June) subject to funding availability and due by the posted June deadline.

Please note: Completed applications are due June 15 and emailed to kljohnson@hceda.org.

Download AGIE Application

State Loans & Grants

Maryland Agricultural & Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) offers grants and loans to farmers, seafood producers and foresters for equipment, land and value-added products. The site also offers a list of local, regional, national and farming and forestry resources. MARBIDCO Website 

Regional Loans & Grants

The Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) grants includes information on “Farmer Grants.” This page has an overview of the grant, the application process, awarded grant policies, examples of recent grant winners and other helpful resources including how to write and apply for a grant. Northeast SARE Website


Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit is an agricultural lender in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia that provides farm and home loans and crop insurance. Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit Webiste

Federal Loans & Grants

Grants and loans offered by the USDA include farm loans, housing assistance, crop and livestock insurance, federal state marketing improvement programs, farmers market promotion programs, an organic cost share program, among others geared toward farmers. USDA Website


The Farm Service Agency administers farm commodity, crop insurance, credit, environmental, conservation and emergency assistance programs for farmers and ranchers. USDA’s Farm Service Agency’s Website

  • Grants & Financing

    A resource to find out more information on State, Regional, and National loans and grants for farms

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  • Diversification Ideas

    Don't put all of your eggs in one basket. Diversifying your farm's production is a great way to grow your business - and meet increasing consumer demand for fresh foods.

    Learn More