The FY 2025 Upper Shore Agriculture Grant Program is offered by the Cecil County Office of Economic Development to provide funding support for local agricultural businesses. The primary aim of the program is to help businesses within Cecil County, Maryland, expand, diversify, or enhance their marketing efforts, implement capital improvement projects, or conduct agricultural research. This initiative is partially funded by the Upper Shore Regional Council.

The total available funding for the program in Fiscal Year 2025 is $78,000. Grant requests can range from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $10,000. The funding will be allocated on a competitive basis, with priority given to projects that benefit the broader agricultural community. Projects that involve collaboration between two or more businesses, work with new or emerging markets, enhance climate resiliency, support BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), women, or veteran farmers, or promote the Cecil Grown Buy Local campaign will be prioritized. Additionally, first-time applicants who have not received a Micro Ag Grant in previous rounds will be given preference, although previous recipients are encouraged to apply for new projects or initiatives.

To be eligible, applicants must operate an agricultural business within Cecil County and be engaged in one or more of the following activities: crop and/or livestock production (including equine), agricultural product processing, agricultural education or support, agricultural cooperatives, or timber production or processing. Furthermore, applicants must be in good standing with both the State of Maryland and Cecil County. If required by law, businesses must also be registered with the state.

Eligible projects for funding include strategic marketing campaigns, technological innovation, climate resiliency projects, capital improvements for business start-up, expansion or value-added production, educational or research projects, and animal welfare improvements. All applicants must submit a fully completed and signed application, a W9 form, proof of good standing with the State of Maryland, and an Electronic Funds Transfer Authorization Form (if applicable). A voided check is required for electronic payments.

The application period opens on January 13, 2025, with the deadline for submission being 11:59 p.m. on March 1, 2025. Applicants will be notified of award decisions in March 2025. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning that applicants will need to submit paid invoices and receipts for reimbursement by May 26, 2025. If funding is awarded, grantees must submit a reimbursement request form along with proof of expenditures for qualifying expenses incurred since October 2024.

For any questions, applicants can contact Ariel Balog, the Agricultural Industry Coordinator, via email at abalog@cecilcountymd.gov or by phone at 410-996-8469.