Agriculture Grants & Financing

The Agricultural Program at HCEDA is here to help you identify grants and financing opportunities to start or diversify your agricultural enterprise. Grant applications can be complex but taking the time to have others review your application and business plan can greatly improve your chances of success. Collaboration is key to any thriving 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

Howard County Enhanced Agricultural Grant is designed to preserve and support agriculture in Howard County through funding for programming, research, and capital investments. Eligible projects must contribute to the expansion, sustainability, or education of agriculture in the county.

Applicants may request grants ranging from $20,000 to $250,000. The total pool of available funding is $500,000, and awards are typically distributed among multiple applicants. Funding is provided through the Howard County Agricultural Preservation Fund and administered by the Howard County Economic Development Authority in partnership with the Howard County Office of Agriculture.

Applications are due by February 28, 2025. Completed applications and supporting documentation must be submitted to Aggrants@howardcountymd.gov. Grants will be awarded by the end of March 2025.

Download Howard County Enhanced Agricultural Grant Application