Targeted Marketing Programs for Southern Maryland developed
Develop and support programs for retail and/or wholesale markets
for Southern Maryland agricultural products
Farmers and agri-businesses diversified and on-farm and related
income increased
Develop and implement a grant program to provide incentives and
professional support for farmers to increase on-farm income and
preserve the farm’s environmental resources (Southern Maryland
Farm Viability Enhancement Program)
Develop opportunities for value-added processing
Develop and support a regional agri-tourism program
Promote, advertise and recruit agri-businesses into and from
Southern Maryland
Provide matching grant support for targeted local, state and
federal agricultural grant programs
Information and education to enable the agricultural community
to diversify farm and related operations provided
Develop and/or support education and training through relevant trade fairs, conferences,
workshops and seminars on select related topics.
Support and develop education and training opportunities for school children and the public.
Provide information through diverse media (eg: newsletter, brochures, website, film)
Scholarship funds will be available for growers and
agricultural professionals to participate in advanced level
courses such as Nx Level, LEAD Maryland and other relevant
courses.
Southern Maryland Farm Viability Enhancement Grant Program
Program Description
The purpose of the Farm Viability Grant Program is to improve the income and environmental integrity of participating farms through the development and implementation of the Plans.
Grants up to $10,000, 20,000 or $40,000 will be awarded. The Commission will fund only those projects that it determines will improve the viability of the agricultural operation. The program has two phases: I) Plan Development, and II) Plan Implementation.
After filling out an application, the Commission may approve the application to go to phase I. In phase I, the farmer works with a planning team to develop a Farm Viability Plan. These plans assess a farm's strengths and provide business planning and marketing information in an effort to make the farm more profitable. The farmer must agree to the plan to be awarded funds in Phase II. The team will make recommendations on increasing farm income through such techniques as improved management practices, diversification, direct marketing, value added products, etc. Any farmer who has developed a Farm Viability Enhancement Plan with the Commission is eligible to participate in Phase II of the program by contacting the Commission.
Phase II involves an agreement between the participant(s) and the Commission where the owner of the property would permit an agricultural use covenant for a term of 5-10 years (five years for up to $20,000, ten years for up to $40,000). In exchange, the Commission provides funding to implement certain portions of the Plan. The Commission will fund only those projects that it determines will improve the viability of the agricultural operation.
Click here for the 2008 Grant Guidelines
Click here for the 2008 Grant Application
Southern Maryland Growing Grapes for Wine Program
Program Description
The purpose of the Southern Maryland Growing Grapes for Wine Program ("Grape Program") is to continue to encourage the development of a wine industry in Southern Maryland. Matching grant funds will be made available to purchase grape vines in bulk from a list of recommended grape varieties for growers throughout the five Southern Maryland Counties.
The program will be administered by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (Commission) in coordination with Maryland Cooperative Extension. The Commission will provide up to 50% of matching funds to purchase vines in the grant year and coordinate purchasing. Maryland Cooperative Extension will provide training and production expertise.
Click here for the 2008 Growing Grapes for Wine Program Guidelines
Click here for the 2008 Growing Grapes for Wine Program Application
